Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently paid tribute to retiring Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill in a message shared on Instagram. Sweet reacted to Hill’s decision to retire from the legendary heavy metal band due to health issues and leave his spot to Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer.
Michael Sweet said, “All great things must come to an end. Ian Hill. One of the most solid bass players to ever pick up a bass. Always in the pocket, always laying down the groove, right with the drums, absolutely solid.”
“And although I don’t know Ian personally, I feel like I do. He’s always come across like a good, decent, stand up guy. Solid.”
“Judas Priest has inspired me more than you may or may not know. A lot. Rob helped me find myself as a singer (I’m sure he doesn’t even know this), and the band has always made me want to reach hire. Do better. Be the best.”
“Thank you Ian for being the legend that you are and for inspiring this kid (back in the 70’s) to hit em’ hard and heavy. All the best to you and as you retire and navigate through the rest of your life, know that you’ve inspired so many. God bless you Ian.”
Sweet’s tribute follows Hill’s decision to step away from Judas Priest after a career spanning more than five decades. The bassist cited serious health problems and expressed confidence in the musician chosen to succeed him.
Hill said he had been struggling with advanced arthritis in his left shoulder and right hand, as well as problems in his right shoulder and both knees. He also suffered a torn shoulder tendon during the band’s European tour, which made it difficult for him to play.
Hill addressed his condition directly in his retirement statement. “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,” he said, adding that the time had come to step aside.
Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer was brought in to perform after Hill missed Judas Priest’s London show. Hill later identified Rimmer as “the obvious choice” for his replacement, calling him “a great bassist” and “a genuinely nice bloke” who would fit the role perfectly.
Hill’s departure marks the end of one of the longest continuous careers in heavy metal. He co-founded Judas Priest with guitarist K.K. Downing in Birmingham in 1969 and remained the band’s bassist throughout its development into one of the genre’s defining acts.
As the band’s bassist, Hill provided the steady foundation beneath Judas Priest’s twin-guitar attack and helped shape the rhythm section behind songs that influenced generations of metal musicians. His consistency and longevity explain why Sweet described him as one of the most solid bass players in heavy metal.
Sweet’s admiration also reflects the influence Judas Priest had on Stryper and on his own development as a vocalist. In his tribute, Sweet credited Rob Halford with helping him find himself as a singer and said Judas Priest pushed him to “do better” and “be the best,” connecting Hill’s legacy to the musicians who followed the band’s path.
