LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Inductee Les Binks of Judas Priest speaks onstage during the … More
Les Binks, former drummer for the legendary heavy metal outfit Judas Priest has died at age 73. Binks was the drummer for Judas Priest between 1977 to 1979, and he performed on the band’s iconic studio albums Stained Class (1978) and Killing Machine (1978), as well as their revered live album Unleashed In The East (1979). The current members of Judas Priest put out a statement on social media regarding Binks’ death stating:
“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…..”
The last time Binks had made a public appearance with his former band members was when he, Rob Halford (vocals), Ian Hill (bass), Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums), along with other former members KK Downing and Dave Holland were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Why Les Binks Left Judas Preist
According to Binks, he had left Judas Priest in 1979 after a rift developed between him and the band’s manager during the making of the live album Unleashed In The East. In an interview, Binks stated that it “caused a rift between me and [Judas Priest’s]
manager and ultimately led to my decision to leave the band. 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. A completely ludicrous scenario. It’s a classic heavy metal live album which I believe eventually went platinum and he didn’t want me to receive a penny for it. Crazy f**ker. But that’s what happens if a band allows someone like that to manage them — they lose members. So exit drummer number four.”
In 1989 Unleashed In The East became certified platinum. After Binks’ exit in 1979 Dave Holland would take over as the band’s drummer until 1989. Since then Scott Travis has become Judas Priest’s longest standing drummer having over 3 decades behind the kit and 6 studio albums with the band.