Ian Hill, Judas Priest’s longest-serving member and bassist since 1970, has announced his retirement after 56 years with the legendary heavy metal band, citing worsening arthritis and a series of injuries that have made performing increasingly difficult. In a statement to fans, Hill said he had long answered questions about his future with the same promise: he would continue playing “until my performances suffer.” Unfortunately, he acknowledged, “that time has come.”

“For some years now, I’ve been struggling with the onset of the evil arthritis,” the 74-year-old Hill wrote, explaining that the condition has advanced in his left shoulder and right hand, established itself in his right shoulder and affected both knees. He had been managing the pain with medication, topical gels and cortisone injections.

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The decision follows a difficult stretch on the road. Although Hill was able to record bass parts for Judas Priest’s upcoming album, the band had concerns about whether he could complete its recent European tour. They enlisted Davey Rimmer, bassist for Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, to learn the set in case he needed to step in.

That contingency became necessary after Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder shortly before the encores at the band’s Brussels show. Unable to lift his arm enough to reach his bass’s neck, he sat out the subsequent London performance, with Rimmer filling in on short notice.

Hill said specialists believe he might avoid surgery, but even a successful recovery would not guarantee he could regain the strength needed to perform an entire concert. He also cited a desire to spend more time with his family after decades devoted to the band. “I’ve neglected my family life for 57 years,” he wrote, adding that he wants to spend his remaining years making up for that time and enjoying life with his loved ones.

Judas Priest confirmed Hill’s retirement and Rimmer’s arrival in a statement of its own, describing Hill as the band’s “backbone” and saying he would be greatly missed. The group welcomed Rimmer into the Priest family and wished Hill well in retirement.

Hill’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary run in one of heavy metal’s defining bands. He and childhood friend and guitarist K.K. Downing joined Judas Priest in 1970, following the group’s formation by singer Al Atkins. Hill remained through the band’s many lineup changes, playing on every studio album from its 1974 debut, Rocka Rolla, through its 2024 release, Invincible Shield, and contributing to the forthcoming follow-up.

Singer Rob Halford joined in 1973, followed by guitarist Glenn Tipton in 1974. Downing departed in 2011, leaving Hill as the sole continuous member from the band’s earliest lineup. Judas Priest was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

With no tour dates currently scheduled until summer 2027, the band has time before its next announced live commitments to move forward with Rimmer on bass. For Hill, however, the focus is now on life beyond the stage. “There’s not a day goes by where I don’t give thanks for the incredible journey I’ve lived through,” he wrote. “I love you all, and thank you for the life you’ve let me live.”

To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.