Les Binks, Former Judas Priest Drummer, Dead at 73

On Monday, April 14, heavy metal band Judas Priest shared the news that their former drummer, Les Binks, had died. Binks was 73. The band shared a joint statement on social media breaking the news and sending condolences to Binks’ family.

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“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans,” the statement reads. “The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class—demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision. Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on…”

Les Binks was Judas Priest‘s drummer from 1977 to 1979, performing on the albums Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather, and Unleashed in the East. Binks left the band after Unleashed, citing a rift between himself and the band’s manager, who, according to Binks, didn’t want to pay him for his work.

In 2022, alongside several members of Judas Priest such as K.K. Downing, Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Speaking with The Metal Crypt at the time, Binks shared his thoughts about the induction and his inclusion with the band even though he hadn’t been a member in decades.

“It’s up to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame to decide who they’re going to induct,” he said. “They looked back on the band’s career. It has to go back as far as 25 years. They say who’s been influential on the creative side of things and the band’s legacy has to form … the band’s identity and led to the success that they achieved. They included me on that, they recognized me on that level, which is good. Of course, K.K., who was one of the finer members of the band, left in 2011. We were both included.”

Influential Judas Priest Drummer Les Binks Dead at 73

Before his work with Judas Priest, Les Binks performed with bands like The Animals and War. He provided drums for several albums, such as Roger Glover’s The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast. Binks also played with the band Fancy, who had several hits like a cover of “Wild Thing,” “Feel Good,” and “Touch Me.”

Binks initially joined Judas Priest for their 1977 tour, which was their first in the U.S. He got the job through his connections with Roger Glover, who produced the band’s third album Sin After Sin. Binks stepped in for former drummer Simon Phillips, and picked up a faster, thrashier drumming style for a new era of Judas Priest. With Binks, the band expanded on a metal style that Deep Purple had been exploring on their early 70s albums.

At the 2022 Rock Hall induction, Les Binks played a three-song set with Judas Priest for the first time in 43 years. “I gave them all a big hug because I never fell out with anyone in the band. I fell out with the band’s management, but not with them,” said Binks. He added, “I never had any cross words or any problems with anyone in the band personality-wise or creatively … I was able to reunite with the guys in the band without any problems at all.”

Featured Image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame