Judas Priest's Ian Hill Sidelined: The Show Must Go On!

In a turn of events that sent shockwaves through the metal community, Judas Priest's founding bassist Ian Hill was forced to sit out the band's monumental concert Monday night (September 21) at the Eventim Apollo in London. The reason? A severely damaged tendon in his left arm that left the veteran musician unable to wield his iconic bass. But fear not, metalheads, as the legendary band didn't falter; they brought in Uriah Heep's Dave Rimmer to fill the void, proving once again that the show must go on.

This announcement came earlier that day via the band's social media, where they disclosed Hill's unfortunate condition along with a heartfelt message of gratitude towards their loyal fans. "Our good friend Davey Rimmer will be playing with us so the show will go on. Ian sends his grateful appreciation to our fans for your caring and understanding," the statement read. It’s a testament to the brotherhood within the metal scene, showcasing how camaraderie reigns supreme even in challenging times.

The London show marked the final performance of Judas Priest's 2026 "Faithkeepers" European tour, a tour that has seen the band deliver classic tracks and electrifying performances across the continent. Fans were treated to a setlist that included the rarely played 1970s gems "The Ripper" and "Delivering The Goods," reminding us all why Priest remains a cornerstone of heavy metal after more than five decades.

Looking ahead, Priest's next scheduled appearance will take place in June 2027 at the Tons Of Rock festival in Oslo, Norway. Hill, now 74, is the last original member of the band, having been part of every studio album and nearly 3,000 performances since the band’s inception in 1969. While rumors of retirement have lingered, Hill remains resolute, stating in a recent interview that as long as they can deliver quality performances, retirement is a concept far from their minds.

As Priest continues to forge ahead with their latest album, "Invincible Shield," which debuted at an impressive No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and even reached No. 1 in several European countries, the band shows no signs of slowing down. With Hill’s resilience and the relentless spirit of metal, Judas Priest proves that they are not just surviving; they are thriving, ready to face any challenge that comes their way.