Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died

Les Binks, who drummed for Judas Priest on some of their most essential albums in the late 1970s, has died, aged 73.

The band confirmed the news in a post on Instagram. In a statement, they wrote: "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…"

Born in Northern Ireland in 1951, Les played in a multitude or outfits before joining Priest in 1977, including Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover's solo band, funk outfit War, with Eric Burdon, frontman of The Animals, and with pop outfit Fancy. Notably, his drums from the latter's song Touch Me were later sampled by Beastie Boys on their Paul's Boutique album.

Les hooked up with Priest in 1977 as they headed to America for the first time in support of their Sin After Sin album. He would go on to make two classic studio albums with the band, Stained Class and Killing Machine, both released in 1978, and helped sharpen their sound, as they continued to blossom from a hard rock outfit into something more unambiguously heavy metal. In particular, he helped add proto-thrash speed to Exciter and Hell Bent For Leather. He also helped write the classic Beyond The Realms Of Death.

In 1979, he left the band after appearing on their Unleashed In The East Live album, eventually rejoining them onstage in November 2022, when he performed three songs with them as part of their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Kerrang! sends condolences to Les' family, friends and bandmates.

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