The heavy metal world is mourning the loss of one of its most influential drummers. Les Binks, best known for his time behind the kit with Judas Priest during the late 1970s, has died at the age of 73. The legendary British band confirmed his passing in an emotional statement shared on social media earlier today.
“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans,” Judas Priest wrote. “The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision. Thank you, Les — your acclaim will live on.”
For many Judas Priest fans, Binks’ name is synonymous with the golden era of the band, particularly his contribution to the landmark 1978 album Stained Class. Though his tenure with the band was relatively brief, lasting from 1977 to 1979, his impact was enduring. His style helped shape the sound of Priest during a pivotal time in their evolution from hard rock roots into full-fledged heavy metal pioneers.
A Short but Pivotal Chapter in Priest’s Story
Binks first joined Judas Priest in 1977 after being recommended by former Rainbow drummer Cozy Powell. Almost immediately, he became a vital part of the band’s momentum. His first recorded contribution came with the live album Unleashed in the East and the aforementioned Stained Class, a record often cited by metal historians as a defining influence on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement that followed.
Tracks like “Exciter,” which Binks co-wrote, stand as testaments to his technical ability and creativity. The blistering double-kick work on the song predated the dominance of speed and thrash metal drumming, setting a blueprint for a generation of percussionists. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for subgenres that would emerge in the 1980s, from power metal to thrash.
Although his stint with Judas Priest ended after just two years due to business disagreements, Binks’ influence lived on. Fans often point to his playing as a cornerstone in establishing the band’s identity as one of the most important and genre-defining acts in heavy metal.
Life Beyond Judas Priest
After departing Judas Priest, Binks remained active in the rock and metal scene, though he never again achieved the same level of mainstream visibility. He collaborated with other acts such as Lionheart and later formed his own projects. In recent years, he resurfaced as part of the band Les Binks’ Priesthood, a tribute act celebrating the music of his era with Judas Priest. The project gave fans the chance to once again hear the raw and authentic sound of late-’70s Priest, performed by one of the musicians who helped create it.
Binks also participated in occasional guest appearances and fan events, where he remained a beloved figure among the Judas Priest faithful. Despite not being inducted with the band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, many in the community argued he deserved recognition for his contributions to their legacy.
Tributes From Across the Metal Community
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and industry figures began to pour in. Many credited Binks as a pioneer whose drumming techniques pushed metal into faster, heavier, and more aggressive territory.
Drummers from across the metal spectrum, from Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain to modern players in thrash and extreme metal, have previously cited his work on songs like “Exciter” as inspirational. On social media, fans shared memories of seeing him live or discovering his playing through Priest’s classic records.
One fan wrote: “Without Les Binks, Judas Priest wouldn’t have become the Priest we know today. His drumming on Stained Class is legendary. RIP to a true innovator.”
A Lasting Legacy
Though his time with Judas Priest was short, Les Binks leaves behind a powerful musical legacy. His drumming was not only technically advanced for its time but also full of personality, blending power with finesse. The grooves, fills, and high-energy performances he delivered in the late 1970s helped propel Judas Priest toward international success and laid the foundation for the metal explosion of the following decades.
For fans of heavy metal, Binks’ name will forever be linked with one of the genre’s most important transitional periods. His work continues to resonate with new generations discovering Judas Priest’s catalog, proving that true innovation in music never fades.
As Judas Priest’s statement so poignantly noted, Les Binks’ acclaim will live on — not just in the records he played on, but in the countless drummers and fans he inspired. At 73, his life has come to a close, but his sound remains eternal.
Would you like me to also draft a tribute-style obituary that focuses more on his personal life, memories from fellow musicians, and his influence outside Judas Priest?
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