Cliff Notes – Judas Priest drummer Les Binks dies aged 73
- Les Binks, former drummer of Judas Priest from 1977 to 1979, has passed away at the age of 73, with the band expressing their deep sadness over his death.
- Binks contributed to the band’s influential albums, including Stained Class and Killing Machine, and was known for his unique drumming techniques and precision.
- Prior to joining Judas Priest, Binks worked with notable acts such as The Animals and Deep Purple, and later returned as a guest in 2022.
Judas Priest drummer Les Binks dies aged 73
Former Judas Priest drummer, who worked with the band in the 1970s, has died (Picture: Getty)
Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died aged 73.
Formed in Birmingham in 1969, the English heavy metal band initially struggled with commercial success but rose to fame in 1980 with their sixth studio album British Steel.
In the years since they’ve been credited with being one of the pioneers of the new wave of the British heavy metal movement and have sold over 50 million albums.
However they’ve announced the death of Binks, who was part of the band from 1977 until 1979, later returning as a guest in 2022.
‘MESSAGE FROM THE BAND RE LES BINKS,’ the statement began.
‘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…’
Binks, who was from Portadown in Northern Ireland previously worked with the Animals, War and on Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover’s 1974 album The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast.
He also played for the pop band Fancy before joining Judas Priest, recording the albums Stained Class and Killing Machine (both 1978) and the live album Unleashed in the East the following year.
Binks eventually left the band just prior to the start of the North American leg of the Killing Machine (Hell Bent for Leather) tour.
He later said in 2017 it was due to him being hired as a ‘freelance session drummer’ and never being made a member of the band.
Win two tickets to Polygon Live, the UK’s first immersive music festival
Polygon Live is a 360 immersive music experience (Picture: Marc de Groot)
Metro has teamed up to give away 20 pairs of tickets to Polygon Live LDN, a unique new festival taking place in London’s Crystal Palace Park from 2-4 May 2025.
Blending light and spatial sound, the 360º immersive festival has a stellar lineup including popular artists such as Max Cooper, Jon Hopkins and Tinariwen, as well as the likes of Arooj Aftab and Photay.
For a chance to win an incredible day out at this UK-first festival for you and a friend, simply enter your details here.
You have until midnight on 18 April 2025 to enter. Good luck!
*Open to GB (excluding N. Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion open from 12:01 on 02/04/2025 and closes at 23:59 on 18/04/2025. 1 entry per person. 20 prizes of 2x General Admission Single Day tickets to attend 1 day of Polygon Live LDN 2025 at Crystal Palace Park, valid for either Friday 2 May 2025, Saturday 3 May 2025 or Sunday 4 May 2025. 1 entry per person.
Full T&Cs apply, see here. Full Polygon T&Cs apply to entry and attendance, see here.
