Saqib Majid
At 73 years old, Les Binks, the former drummer for Judas Priest, a famed heavy metal band, went suddenly. During a pivotal time in the band’s career, Binks, who performed with them from 1977 to 1979, was instrumental. Stained Class and Killing Machine, two of Judas Priest’s well-known studio albums that were both released in 1978, feature his drumming. In 1979, he also worked on the critically acclaimed live album Unleashed In The East, which is regarded as one of the greatest live heavy metal albums ever.
The current members of Judas Priest released a poignant tribute after learning of his passing. They conveyed their profound sorrow and sympathies to Binks’s family and supporters in their message. The band commended his remarkable drumming abilities, highlighting his accuracy, unusual style, and individual flair. The message’s final line, “Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on,” emphasized the artist’s enduring influence.
When Binks was admitted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis, KK Downing, and the late Dave Holland, his legacy was further solidified. This accolade served as his last public appearance with the group, giving fans a final look at the performer with his old bandmates.
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He left Judas Priest in 1979 while Unleashed in the East was being post-produced. Binks says his decision to leave the band was mostly influenced by conflicts with the band’s manager. He disclosed that he had received no payment for his contributions to the live record, calling this utterly irrational. Binks was upset by the circumstance, describing it as a “ludicrous scenario,” particularly in light of the album’s potential popularity. “What a f**ker. The result of letting someone like that run a band is that they lose members. So, drummer number four, get out.
Despite his brief tenure with Judas Priest, Binks made a significant impact. Ten years after his departure, in 1989, Unleashed In The East became a platinum album. Dave Holland replaced him as drummer after his departure and stayed with the group until 1989. Scott Travis became the drummer for Judas Priest for the longest time after Holland left the band. Travis has played on six studio albums during his more than three decades with the band and is still an essential component of Judas Priest’s sound.
Even though Les Binks only played with Judas Priest for a few years, his impact has lasted far beyond that. His unique drumming approach influenced the band’s sound at a critical moment and now serves as an inspiration to metal artists and drummers worldwide. Binks’s reputation is indelibly engraved in heavy metal history thanks to the records he helped produce and the influence he had on both fans and peers.