RIP Les Binks: Former Judas Priest Drummer Dies at 73

RIP Les Binks: Former Judas Priest Drummer Dies at 73

Les Binks, the iconic Northern Irish drummer best known for his time with Judas Priest, has died at the age of 73. Though his passing occurred in March 2025, the news was publicly confirmed by the band in mid-April. The announcement sent ripples through the rock and metal communities, where Binks remains a revered figure for his technical skill, creativity, and contributions to one of metal’s most defining eras.

Binks joined Judas Priest in 1977 and quickly became a driving force behind the band's evolution. He played on three landmark records: Stained Class, Killing Machine (also known as Hell Bent for Leather in the U.S.), and the electrifying live album Unleashed in the East. His drumming helped shape Judas Priest’s sound as they transitioned from hard rock to the harder-edged heavy metal that would come to define the genre. His rapid double-bass work and precise fills became staples of the band’s live performances and studio recordings.

One of Binks’ standout contributions was co-writing the fan-favorite track “Beyond the Realms of Death,” a haunting and powerful ballad that has endured for decades as one of Priest’s most emotionally charged songs. Even among a lineup filled with heavy hitters, Binks’ playing stood out for its nuance and intensity.

His departure from the band in 1979 stemmed from disputes over compensation for his work on Unleashed in the East, but he never stopped playing. Over the years, Binks performed with acts like Tytan, Lionheart, and Metalworks, always bringing the same level of passion and precision that defined his peak years with Priest.

In 2022, Les Binks received long-overdue recognition when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his former Judas Priest bandmates. He even joined them for a brief performance at the induction ceremony, marking his first time on stage with the group in over 40 years—a fitting full-circle moment for a legacy that helped define a genre.

Judas Priest released a heartfelt tribute following his death, honoring his role in shaping their sound and praising his "unique techniques, flair, style, and precision." Fans worldwide continue to remember Les Binks not just for the music he made, but for the mark he left on metal as a whole.