Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford recently broke his silence on Ian Hill’s retirement, sharing an emotional tribute to his longtime bandmate on Instagram.
The tribute was shared alongside a photo of the two musicians, marking Halford’s first public message regarding Hill’s departure from the band.
“‘Metal blessings peace be with you,’” Halford said. “Heavy metal ink steel metal community faith hope joy spirit believe kindness unconditional love family friends fans one world peace respect all.”
This emotional message follows Hill’s announcement that he is retiring from Judas Priest due to health struggles.
“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.”
Hill also named his replacement and expressed deep gratitude for his time with the band.
“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.”
Halford’s words carry extra weight given how long the two men have shared a stage and a history stretching back more than five decades.
Although often described as a founding member, Hill joined the group in 1970 alongside childhood friend and guitarist K.K. Downing, after vocalist Al Atkins founded Judas Priest in Birmingham the previous year. Hill was the band’s longest-serving member and appeared on every studio album from 1974’s Rocka Rolla through 2024’s Invincible Shield and the group’s forthcoming follow-up.
Hill’s tenure encompassed Judas Priest’s defining records, including Sad Wings of Destiny, British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, Painkiller, Firepower and Invincible Shield. Hill was the only Priest member to play on all 19 of the band’s albums released or recorded during his time with the group. Judas Priest and Hill were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Hill cited worsening arthritis and related injuries as the reason for his departure. The bassist said the condition had advanced in his left shoulder and right hand, was established in his right shoulder and affected both knees. The illness had already forced him to miss the band’s London performance, prompting Judas Priest to bring in Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons.
