Ian Hill

Ian Hill

Ian Hill is an English musician from England and the bassist in State of Quo. He is best known as the bassist and long-serving mainstay of the British heavy metal band Judas Priest, which he has played with since the early 1970s.

Background

Hill learns the double bass from his father, who plays bass for local jazz acts. He is a childhood friend and schoolmate of K. K. Downing, who later becomes a fellow member of Judas Priest.

Judas Priest

Hill joins Judas Priest in 1973 and remains with the band throughout its history. He is the only original member to stay continuously in the group from the beginning, continuing after Downing leaves in 2011. In the early years, he plays bass using finger-picking technique, but later prefers to use a pick.

Personal life

Hill is briefly married to Rob Halford’s sister from 1976 until their divorce in 1984. Through that relationship, Halford is introduced into Judas Priest in 1973.