Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill discusses retirement due to severe arthritis

Bassist Ian Hill announced his retirement from Judas Priest on October 9, 2026, citing severe arthritis in his shoulder and thumb, Ultimate Classic Rock and BLABBERMOUTH.NET reported. Speaking in an interview with YouTube channel Metal Pilgrim, Hill explained that the physical strain became unmanageable over his final concert tours and that he felt he had no choice but to step away from the band. [1][2][3][4]

In the same interview, Hill revealed that Judas Priest almost joined Iron Maiden for a four-week North American leg of their Run For Your Lives 50th anniversary tour this year, Loudwire reported. The co-headlining run did not materialize, and direct support was instead provided by Megadeth alongside select appearances from Anthrax. [2]

Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and became the longest-serving member in the history of the group. Along with lead guitarist Glenn Tipton, Hill appeared on all 19 of the studio albums released by Judas Priest, which have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. [1][6][7]

Following the retirement announcement, musicians across the heavy metal community paid tribute to his career, including Stryper vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet, Metalhead Zone reported. Judas Priest continues with a lineup featuring singer Rob Halford, drummer Scott Travis, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner. [5][7]