Les Binks, the acclaimed former drummer of Judas Priest and one of the unsung architects of classic heavy metal rhythm, has died at the age of 73
Monday evening, 14 April 2025, Judas Priest releasing a statement expressing their sorrow:
“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…”
Les Binks
Born in Northern Ireland in 1951. Les Binks earned his place in the pantheon of heavy metal through sheer technique, flair, and firepower. He joined Judas Priest during the late 1970s. A pivotal moment in the band’s transformation from bluesy hard rockers to leather-clad metal gods. His drumming helped shape a generation of metalheads. Many came to see him as the precise, thunderous force behind Stained Class (1978), Hell Bent for Leather (Killing Machine in the UK), and the iconic live album Unleashed in the East (1979).
Though his time with Judas Priest was relatively brief, Les Binks left an indelible mark on the band’s sonic identity.His performance on Stained Class is widely seen as a masterclass in heavy metal drumming. He combined galloping rhythms with razor-sharp fills, adding both weight and speed to the band’s evolving sound. Songs like “Exciter” and “Beyond the Realms of Death” would simply not have hit as hard without his percussive power.
Yet behind the scenes, Les’ tenure was marred by managerial tensions. Following the recording of Unleashed in the East. A dispute over royalties arose when the manager refused to pay Les for his performance on the live album. This ultimately pushed him to leave the band. Reflecting on the situation years later, Les candidly stated:
“I just didn’t see the point in continuing to work with a band whose manager didn’t want me to receive any payment for that live album. A completely ludicrous scenario… Crazy fxxker.”
He was replaced by Dave Holland (ex-Trapeze drummer)
Legasy
Les Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022. He joined fellow Judas Priest members Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, K.K. Downing, Dave Holland, and Scott Travis. Les described the moment as “surreal” and “completely out of the blue.” He said the honour was especially meaningful because it recognised his role in shaping the band’s legacy and identity.
Despite past tensions with management, Les Binks remained on good terms with his bandmates. His reunion — nearly 40 years after their last performance together — with K.K. Downing in 2017 was warmly received. K.K described Les as “one of the greatest drummers in the world and a good friend and a great guy.”
In his later years, Les continued to perform, record, and engage with fans, always maintaining the aura of a gentleman musician who just happened to hit like thunder. His command of the kit, unshakeable timing, and no-nonsense attitude earned him respect in the metal community and beyond.
Les Binks is survived by the rhythms he helped pioneer, the fans who still raise their horns to his thunderous backbeats, and a legacy etched in steel. His work was not only instrumental in shaping Judas Priest’s golden era but also laid foundational grooves for generations of drummers who followed.
Rest easy, Les — the stage is a quieter place without you, but the echoes of your drums will never fade.