Ex-Judas Priest drummer Les Binks dies at the age of 73

The ex-Judas Priest drummer Les Binks passed away at the age of 73, the news was shared by the band on their social media and the death cause was not revealed.

“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…..” Judas Priest said in an official statement.

Les was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland back in 1951 and started his musical career in 1973. He first worked with Eric Burdon (The Animals), the funk band War, Roger Glover (Deep Purple) and the pop band Fancy.

Then he was a member of Judas Priest from 1977 to 1979, being part of the albums “Stained Class” (1978), “Killing Machine” (1978) and “Unleashed in the East” (1979). Those records had praised songs like “Exciter”, “Better By You, Better than Me”, “Hell Bent For Leather”, “Take On the World” and “The Green Manalishi”.

He was credited as one of the writers of the song “Beyond The Realms of Death” from “Stained Class”. The musician decided to leave the band in 1979 because he felt he was essentially hired as a “freelance session drummer” by the band and was never transformed into an official member.

After that he was a member of Lionheart and recorded with groups like Axis Point, Charlie Whitney and Eugenio Finardi. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 as a member of Judas Priest.

Les Binks was replaced in Judas Priest by the former Trapeze drummer Dave Holland who remained in the band until 1989, being replaced by Scott Travis, who has been the band’s drummer since then.