Judas Priest recently performed their first live show without original bassist Ian Hill, who announced his retirement from the band, with footage of the performance and fan reactions circulating on YouTube. Hill’s position was filled by Uriah Heep’s Davey Rimmer, prompting mixed reactions from the band’s fanbase.
Prior to the performance, Hill released a detailed statement explaining his decision to step down due to health struggles and endorsing Rimmer as his successor.
“I hate to say it, but that time has come,” Hill said. “For some years now, I’ve been struggling with the onset of the evil arthritis, which is now in an advanced state in my left shoulder and right hand, established in my right shoulder, and present in both knees. I’ve been fighting this with painkilling pills, gels, and recently with cortisone injections in my shoulder and hand.”
“The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey,” Hill continued. “He’s a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly, and I wish him the very best of luck! There’s not a day goes by where I don’t give thanks for the incredible journey I’ve lived through, and it just remains for me to say that I love you all, and thank you for the life you’ve let me live.”
Hill’s departure ends one of the longest tenures in heavy metal. The statement also confirmed that the change had been prepared in advance, as he explained that questions about his ability to finish the band’s recent European dates led the group to call on Rimmer.
“Although I was able to put bass lines to the songs for the new album, there were questions whether I’d be able to complete the recent European tour without incident, so we asked our good friend Davey,” Hill said.
Hill co-founded Judas Priest in 1969 and was the band’s sole remaining original member when he retired, having played on every studio album from Rocka Rolla through Invincible Shield. Rimmer filled in at London’s Eventim Apollo on September 21, and he will continue playing with Uriah Heep even after joining Judas Priest, according to the same outlet.
Rimmer brings experience from another veteran British metal act. He joined Uriah Heep in 2013 as a temporary replacement for bassist Trevor Bolder while Bolder underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer. After Bolder’s death, Rimmer became a permanent member and later appeared on albums including Outsider, Living The Dream and Chaos & Colour.
Rimmer has also been connected to Judas Priest through guitarist Richie Faulkner. Before joining Uriah Heep, Rimmer played in a band with Faulkner and former Priest drummer Les Binks, according to the same interview. His appointment therefore adds an established professional connection to the band’s latest lineup change.
Judas Priest has already experienced significant changes onstage in recent years. Guitarist Glenn Tipton continues as an official member but has limited his touring role since announcing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2018. Andy Sneap has performed in his place during live shows. Sneap also produced the band’s 2024 album Invincible Shield, the record Hill played on before stepping down.
Fans shared mixed opinions on Rimmer’s performance. One fan wrote: “I was at the show. Best gig I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a few. Even better than Maiden last year at the London Stadium – it was that good.” Another said: “Lovely! Davey looks well rehearsed for this.” Another said: “Noooo. He does not fit in at all. His sound and stage presence suck! Not a good Judas Priest fit, sorry. I love Priest but a big no.”
