Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died at the age of 73, the band announced yesterday.
The Northern Irish musician, who played with the heavy metal pioneers from 1977 to 1979, passed away on March 15, 2025.
Binks was a key member during one of the band’s most influential periods, helping to shape their classic sound in the late 1970s.
His death comes just over two years after he was reunited with the band for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Binks appeared on two of Judas Priest’s classic albums, both released in 1978 – Stained Class and Killing Machine, which was also known as Hell Bent for Leather in the United States.
He also performed on the band’s live album Unleashed in the East, which was recorded during the Killing Machine tour.
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His technical drumming style was considered first class and helped define the band’s sound during this crucial period in their development.
Binks was known for his unique techniques and precision that contributed significantly to Judas Priest’s evolution as one of heavy metal’s most influential bands.
In 2022, Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest via the Award for Musical Excellence.
The ceremony on November 5, 2022, marked his first appearance with the band in 43 years.
Binks joined the band on stage to perform a three-song set at the induction ceremony, alongside former guitarist K.K. Downing.
In a December 2022 interview, Binks described the experience as “a bit surreal because this all came out of the blue”.
He noted that Priest had been nominated three times before finally being inducted.
In a statement released on Monday, Judas Priest paid tribute to their former drummer.
“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans,” the band said.
“The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision.”
The statement concluded with the words: “Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on…”
The band shared the tribute via their social media accounts as news of Binks’ death emerged.
Binks left Judas Priest in 1979 following a dispute with the band’s management over payment for the Unleashed in the East live album.
In an interview with K.K. Downing’s official website, Binks explained the reason for his departure.
“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,” he said.
He described it as “a completely ludicrous scenario” regarding an album that “eventually went platinum”.
Binks noted that he “never fell out with anyone in the band” but rather with their management.
Following his departure from Judas Priest, Binks remained a respected figure in heavy metal circles.
His drumming on Stained Class and Killing Machine helped establish the template for heavy metal percussion that would influence countless drummers.
Binks was particularly noted for his work on tracks like Beyond the Realms of Death, which he co-wrote.
His dexterous style added what many critics called “a technical edge” to the band’s evolving sound.
Binks’ contribution to Judas Priest’s legacy was formally recognised with his 2022 Rock Hall induction, cementing his place in heavy metal history.
