Yesterday, the music community lost Les Binks – former drummer of Judas Priest.
Les Binks (photo: Artur Tarczewski)
The band wrote on its social media yesterday:
“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…“
Les Binks (James Leslie Binks) was born on August 8, 1951, in Portadown, Northern Ireland. In the early 1970s, he was a member of the band War, which was formed by singer Eric Burdon, formerly of The Animals. In 1974, he was in Roger Glover’s band (former member of Deep Purple at the time), which recorded the album “The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast”. In the same year, Binks also had two US hits with the band Fancy – “Wild Thing” and “Touch Me”. In 1977, he was recommended to Judas Priest by Roger Glover, who was the producer of the band’s new album at the time, “Sin After Sin”. Binks did the tour promoting it as Simon Phillips, who had recorded the drum tracks, had other commitments. The drummer then recorded two studio albums with the group – “Stained Class” and “Killing Machine” (both in 1978), and the live album “Unleashed in the East” (1979). After leaving Judas Priest, Binks worked with the bands Axis Point, Lionheart, Titan, The Shakers, Metalworks, Raw Glory and Broken Bones. In the later period of his life, he led the band Les Binks’ Priesthood, with which he performed Judas Priest repertoire. In 2022, he and Judas Priest were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Les Binks on stage with Judas Priest
