The tributes have been pouring in for legendary Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill after the musician announced his retirement from the band. The group and Hill mutually shared his retirement announcement, in which he admitted to struggling for quite some time with “evil arthritis” that has made it increasingly difficult to continue.
Just last month, Hill missed the first Judas Priest show of his entire career. The bassist had been part of the band since their formation in 1970. With ailing knees, shoulders, and one of his hands, he has chosen to enjoy time at home with family after more than half a century with one of metal’s earliest pioneers.
READ MORE: Judas Priest Bassist Misses First Show Since 1970, Fill-In Revealed
However, retirement also brings respect for a career celebrated by a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and the admiration of many Judas Priest fans as well as peers within the music industry.
Below, we’ve gathered some commentary from social media following Hill’s retirement announcement.
A majority of the comments came from fellow musicians responding to Ian Hill’s retirement post, while Five Finger Death Punch’s Chris Kael also weighed in via his own X account.
What Are Ian Hill’s Peers Saying About His Retirement From Judas Priest?
Below is a sampling of the comments shared regarding Ian Hill’s legacy and his retirement:
Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer)
Thank you for all the years you’ve given to all of us
Frank Bello (Anthrax)
Happy retirement Ian!! You’ve shown us all how to do it, and we’ve loved & respected every minute of it. Congratulations on an amazing career! I wish you and your family great health and happiness..
Peace & love my friend..
Mike Inez (Alice in Chains, ex-Ozzy Osbourne)
Happy retirement Ian!! It’s been a pleasure to watch and hear you all these years. It’s an honor to know you, and all of us bassists respect everything you have given to the heavy music community! Thank you
Joey Vera (Armored Saint)
LEGEND
Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies, ex-Dio, ex-Whitesnake)
God bless ya Ian! We love you and are grateful for you:) Enjoy your retirement
Becky Baldwin (Mercyful Fate / Tony Iommi)
Thank you for all those years of incredible music; you’re a real one Ian! Enjoy your time off
Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper)
Thank you Ian. All love and thank you for all the killer bass lines
Sacred Reich
All the best for you and your family Ian.
Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch)
Ah! My dream gig outside of Metallica! Sending all the love and Metta in the world to Ian Hill. One of my favorite bassists and such an absolute gentleman.
What Else Do We Need to Know About Ian Hill’s Replacement?
As revealed in Hill’s retirement announcement, Uriah Heep’s Davey Rimmer has agreed to take over the bass position for Judas Priest moving forward. He is also a member of Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner.
While the announcement confirmed Rimmer’s involvement, it did not discuss what that meant for Rimmer’s other band; however, Uriah Heep has also issued a statement via Instagram regarding how things will work moving forward.
Following today’s announcement that Davey Rimmer will be joining Judas Priest from the start of their 2027 tour season, we would like to wish Davey our very best in this highly coveted position within one of the giants of heavy metal and hard rock.
Davey will continue to play with Uriah Heep in 2026 and at all shows in 2027 where schedules permit.
For shows that don’t fit into his schedule with Uriah Heep, we will announce a replacement in due course.
What’s Next for Judas Priest?
While touring is finished for the remainder of 2026, the band already has several 2027 dates scheduled. All currently booked events are taking place in Europe with several festival appearances planned for June and July.
Be sure to visit the Judas Priest website for all ticketing information and dates.
Below, see how we ranked all of Judas Priest’s albums.
Judas Priest Albums Ranked From Worst to Best
Judas Priest have released 19 albums over 50 years. See how we ranked them from worst to best.
It got really tough near the top!
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita
