Judas Priest star Les Binks dies aged 73 as band pays tribute to ‘first-class’ drumming legend
MUSIC legend Les Binks has died aged 73.
The former Judas Priest drummer passed away on March 15, the band announced today.
The Northern Irish musician appeared on two of the heavy metal staple’s albums in 1978 – Stained Class and Killing Machine.
Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest – and performed three songs at the induction ceremony on November 5 2022.
It was his first appearance with the band in 43 years.
In a statement on Instagram, Judas Priest said: “We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans.
“The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class – demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision –
“Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on…..”
Devastated fans of the metal band took to social media to post heartfelt tributes.
One shared their sympathies, writing: “Very sad news – an excellent drummer who was an integral part of the Priest sound.”
Another Judas Priest fan added: “Very sad, Les was an incredible drummer.
“His great work for Heavy Metal drumming will never be forgotten. RIP Les Blinks.”
A third acknowledged his impact on the music industry, commenting: “Les deserves so much respect and recognition for his contributions to shaping heavy metal.”
CAREER
Binks was a member of Judas Priest from 1977 to 1979.
He had previously been a drummer on Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover’s album The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast in 1974.
And he had worked for Eric Burdon of the Animals and funk band War.
He went on to play for pop band Fancy who had hits in the US with a cover of Chip Taylor’s “Wild Thing”, and Touch Me’s song “Feel Good”.
He joined Judas Priest – a then-up-and-coming act – in March 1977 for their world tour.
The band experienced success and their single Take on the World, released in 1979, flew up the UK top 40 charts to number 14.
A couple of years later he left the band, later claiming he felt like a “freelance session drummer” hired by the band rather than an official member.
Binks played with a plethora of other metal bands after, including Lionheart, Tytan and the legendary covers group Metalworks.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest via the Award for Musical Excellence in 2022.
In October that year, he joined the band for a reunion where the they played at the induction ceremony.