Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died at the age of 73, the band announced Monday, April 14. The Northern Irish musician, who played with the legendary heavy metal group from 1977 to 1979, passed away in a London hospital on March 15, according to funeral notices.
Judas Priest shared a statement via social media honoring their former bandmate: “We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans – the drumming he brought to Priest was unique and powerful – his acclaim will live on.”
Binks performed on three pivotal albums for the Birmingham, England-formed band: “Stained Class” and “Killing Machine” (released as “Hell Bent for Leather” in the U.S.) in 1978, and the platinum-selling live album “Unleashed in the East” in 1979. His contributions helped shape the band’s evolution from hard rock to the more aggressive heavy metal sound that would define their career.
His precise, dynamic drumming style brought new dimensions to the band’s music, including proto-thrash speed on tracks like “Exciter” and “Hell Bent for Leather.” Binks also received a songwriting credit for the classic “Beyond the Realms of Death,” on the album “Stained Class,” which remains a fan favorite in the band’s catalog.
Binks’ departure from Judas Priest came after a dispute with management over payment for “Unleashed in the East.” He later explained that tensions during the making of that album led to his decision to leave. According to Binks, the band’s manager didn’t want him to receive any payment for the live album, which he found completely unacceptable, especially considering it eventually achieved platinum status. He noted this kind of treatment often results in bands losing members.
During the 1970s, Judas Priest experienced a rotating lineup of drummers, with Binks being the only one who played on multiple albums. After his departure, he was replaced by Dave Holland, who remained with the band until 1989, when Scott Travis took over drumming duties.
Before joining Judas Priest, Binks had worked as a session musician, including with Roger Glover of Deep Purple and the band Fancy. Following his time with Judas Priest, he continued his musical career with other hard rock and heavy metal acts, including Axis Point, Lionheart, and Tytan. In his later years, he formed a band called Les Binks’ Priesthood to perform classic Judas Priest songs and occasionally collaborated with the folk group Faintin’ Goats.
In November 2022, Binks reunited with Judas Priest when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame via the Award for Musical Excellence. This marked one of his final public appearances. During the ceremony, he joined his former bandmates on stage for a three-song performance that included “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight.”
Binks later described some anxiety surrounding this reunion, particularly regarding how K.K. Downing’s return would be received, given past tensions. However, he emphasized that his own relationship with the band members had remained positive. He explained that while he had fallen out with management, he never had personal issues with anyone in the band. He was able to reunite with them without any problems, greeting each with a warm hug at the ceremony.
Fans worldwide have shared tributes on social media, with many praising Binks as their favorite Priest drummer and highlighting his work on “Stained Class” as particularly inspirational. One fan noted how Binks’ drumming had helped them through a difficult time, sharing how they had listened to “Unleashed in the East” to cope with their father’s passing.
Judas Priest, formed in 1969, has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and is consistently ranked among the greatest metal bands in history. The current lineup features Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitars), Richie Faulkner (guitars), Ian Hill (bass), and Scott Travis (drums).
The band continues to tour and produce music, having released their latest album “Invincible Shield” in 2024, which topped charts in several countries, including Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany. While touring to support this album, the band was forced to cancel a show in Sugar Land, Texas, in October due to unforeseen circumstances.
Judas Priest’s influence on heavy metal remains profound. Their dual guitar attack, driving riffs, and Halford’s soaring operatic vocals helped define the genre and inspire generations of musicians that followed. The band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrated nearly 50 years of music, with Binks’ drumming representing a crucial chapter in their influential history.
