Farewell to Les Binks the former Judas Priest drummer

Les binksformer drummer of Judas Priestdied at the age of 73. The causes of death have not been revealed.

James Leslie Binks, a drummer Heavy Metal Nordirus, played with the band from 1977 to 1979.

His disappearance was communicated by Judas Priest with a post on their social profiles

We are deeply saddened by the disappearance of Les and we send our affection to his family, friends and fans. His way of playing was first class, demonstrating his unique techniques, his inspiration, his style and precision. Thanks Les – Your acclamation will continue to live …

During the two and a half years spent with the band, Binks contributed with his powerful and intricate drumming to a crucial period in the development of Judas Priest.

He played in the albums in the studio “Staded Class” And “Killing Machine“(Released with the title”Hell Bent for Leather“In the United States), both of 1978, and in the influential live album”UNLEASHED IN THE EAST”Of 1979.

In particular, he co-based the song “Beyond The Realms of Death” on “Staded Class”.

His battery style, characterized by a quick and aggressive approach with the double case, has contributed to shaping the evolution of the band’s sound towards thrash and speed metal.

Before joining the Priest, Binks played the battery for Eric Burdon he is War; For the album “The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast” of 1974 of the DEP Purple bassist Roger Glover; for i Fancya pop group with which he played and who had two successes in the United States in 1974; and for i Wizard’s Convention by Eddie Hardin, playing in the 1976 album of the group with other important musicians.

The reasons why Les Binks left Judas Priest in July 1979 They are mainly linked to disagreements with the band manager about the fees for the live album “Unleashed in the East”. In several interviews, Binks explained that he had felt as a “freelance drummer” and not to be considered an official member of the band. The definitive breakdown took place when manager Mike Dolan suggested that he “gave up his compensation” for the live album, which later became platinum. Binks I consider this request “absurd” and felt he had no reason to continue working with a band whose manager did not want to pay him for his work on a successful album.
Despite this, Binks has always declared that he had not had personal problems with the other members of the band. His resentment was mainly directed towards management. So much so that the announcement came from the band itself.

After the period with the Priest, he was part of Axis Point, Lionheart with the former guitarist of the Iron Maiden Dennis Stratton, Tytan, Raw Glory, Broken Bones and Kindred Spirit.

In 2017 he formed i Les Binks’ Priesthood To carry out the classic songs of the Judas Priest live. Initially he intended to join the Kk’s Priestformed by the former Judas Priest Kk Downing guitarist, but has been replaced due to an injury.

Binks was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest in November 2022. He also performed three songs during the insertion ceremony, marking his first appearance with the Priest in over 40 years and one of his latest ever.