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 born James Leslie Binks and 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 1978 albums Stained Class and Killing Machine and the live album Unleashed in the East the following year.
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Binks eventually left the band just prior to the start of the North American leg of the Killing Machine (Hell Bent for Leather) tour and was replaced by ex-Trapeze member Dave Holland.
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.
He had previously spoken about falling out with the band’s management, which sparked his decision to leave Judas Priest.
However in 2022 he was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest.
At the ceremony he performed three songs, which marked his first appearance with the band in 43 years.
He said at the time: ‘‘I never fell out with anyone in the band. I fell out with the band’s management, but not with them.
‘I never had any cross words or any problems with anyone in the band personality-wise or creatively.
‘I was able to reunite with the guys in the band without any problems at all.’
After leaving Judas Priest, Binks went on to join Lionheart, The Shakers and Raw Glory.
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