Former drummer of iconic heavy metal band passes away at age 73
to his family, friends, and fans,” Judas Priest said in a statement Tuesday. “The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — showing his unique techniques, flair, style, and precision. Thank you Les — your acclaim will live on.” Binks played drums for Judas Priest on two albums, 1978’s “Stained Class” and 1979’s “Killing Machine” (also known as “Hell Bent for Leather”), along with the live recording “Unleashed in the East.” Additionally, he was part of the band for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and performance in 2022.
James Leslie Binks, born in Northern Ireland, exhibited a talent for drumming from a young age. He relocated to London in 1972 to pursue a career as a touring and session musician. Billboard highlights his work with Eric Burdon of The Animals and War, the English pop band Fancy, and the rock opera “The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast” by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover. Glover, who worked on Judas Priest’s 1977 album “Sin After Sin,” introduced Binks to the band as a tour fill-in. This opportunity led him to become a full-fledged member for two years, during which time he contributed a lead guitar riff to “Beyond the Realms of Death.”
Les Binks parted ways with Judas Priest at the end of 1979 due to a dispute with manager Mike Dolan, whom he accused of not compensating him fairly for his work on a live album. Following his exit from the band, Binks remained active in the music scene, participating in groups such as Lionhearted, Tytan, and Raw Glory. Additionally, he was involved in the Judas Priest tribute band, Les Binks’ Priesthood. One of his final public performances was at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony alongside the Grammy-winning heavy metal band, fronted by singer Rob Halford and accompanied by fellow band members.
In conclusion, the music world mourns the loss of Les Binks, the former drummer of Judas Priest known for his exceptional drumming skills, style, and precision. His contributions to the band during the 1970s helped solidify their place in heavy metal history, leaving a lasting legacy that fans and fellow musicians will continue to celebrate. Les Binks’ passion for music and his influential role in shaping the sound of Judas Priest will always be remembered fondly by those who appreciated his talent.