Legendary Rock Drummer Dies at 73

Les Binks, the powerhouse drummer who helped define Judas Priest’s golden era in the late 1970s, has died at the age of 73. His death was confirmed Monday by the band, who praised Binks for his “first-class” drumming and lasting influence on heavy metal.

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but a funeral notice shared that he passed “peacefully at hospital in London.”

Born James Leslie Binks on August 8, 1951, in Northern Ireland, Binks was more than just a drummer. He was a master technician whose speed and precision helped catapult Judas Priest from underground cult favorite to global metal titans. Fans will forever remember his thunderous contributions to albums like Stained Class (1978), Killing Machine (1978), and the blistering live record Unleashed in the East (1979).

A Man Behind the Music

Longtime fans will recall the drum intro to “Exciter” and the relentless pacing of “Take On the World,” one of the band’s early arena anthems — all Binks. Though his tenure with Judas Priest lasted only two years, his imprint on the band is permanent.

“Les’s drumming was explosive,” said rock historian David Hurst. “He brought a classical influence to metal and made it sound like something new. He wasn’t just keeping time — he was driving the machine.”

Before joining Judas Priest, Binks had toured with the likes of Eric Burdon (of The Animals) and played with bands such as Fancy and War. His versatility made him a natural fit for the evolving sound of Judas Priest in the mid-70s.

A Complicated Exit, But No Bad Blood

Binks left Judas Priest in 1979 over a pay dispute with the band’s management, not the bandmates themselves. “I never had any issues with the guys,” Binks told The Metal Crypt in a 2022 interview. “We always got along well — it was the business side that fell apart.”

Despite his early departure, Binks rejoined the band on stage for a historic reunion in 2022 during Judas Priest’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He performed a three-song set with fellow inductees KK Downing, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, and Richie Faulkner.

“There was some tension going in, sure,” Binks said after the ceremony. “But I just said to myself, ‘Be professional. Give the audience what they came for.’ And that’s what we did. I gave the boys a big hug. I was just glad to be back with them.”

That reunion marked his first performance with Judas Priest in over four decades — and would end up being one of his last public appearances.

A Quiet Force Offstage

In later years, Binks continued to perform with lesser-known bands and even formed his own Judas Priest tribute group, Les Binks’ Priesthood, in 2017. Friends say he never sought the spotlight, preferring to focus on music rather than fame.

“He wasn’t chasing headlines,” said longtime friend and fellow drummer Pete Golding. “He just wanted to play. That’s what made Les different. He was in it for the art, not the ego.”

Remembered and Respected

Judas Priest paid tribute in a heartfelt statement: “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 is survived by his siblings Stephen, Movine, and Irene. Funeral details are expected to be announced later this week.

For fans of classic rock and metal, Les Binks was more than just a drummer. He was part of the soundtrack of rebellion, volume, and passion — a true priest of rhythm who helped define a genre.

And for those who grew up with a record player and a stack of vinyl, his drums are still echoing.