Legendary rocker Les Binks has died aged 73.
The former Judas Priest drummer appeared on two of the heavy metal band’s albums in 1978 – Stained Class and Killing Machine. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band.
The Northern Irish musician sadly passed away on March 15. The band confirmed the news on Tuesday (April 15) and celebrated his “first class” drumming in a touching tribute shared on social media.
In a statement on Instagram, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans.
(Image: Getty Images)
“The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class – demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision -Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on…..”
Tributes have poured in from fans, with one writing: “Stained Class turned me on to Priest as a 14 year old, with Les Binks on drums! Great drummer he was!” Another penned: “Very sad, Les was an incredible drummer. His great work for Heavy Metal drumming will never be forgotten. RIP Les Blinks.”
(Image: Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar)
A third commented: “Very sad news an excellent drummer who was an integral part of the Priest sound.” A fourth added: “My favorite Priest era… RIP.”
Binks played in several bands before Priest, including Fancy, Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover’s solo band, and with Eric Burdon, frontman of The Animals. He joined Priest in 1977 as they headed across the pond to promote their Sin After Sin album.
He’d go on to make two of the band’s iconic albums – Stained Class and Killing Machine – both released in 1978. He played a key role in shaping the band’s sound as they developed from hard rock into heavy metal.
(Image: Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
The drummer left the band in 1979 after appearing on their Unleashed In The East Live album. He later revealed he left the band because the making of the live record “caused a rift” between him and the band’s manager.
He told KK Downing’s website it: “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***er. But that’s what happens if a band allows someone like that to manage them — they lose members. So exit drummer number four.”
However, he would reunite with them on stage in November 2022, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Binks was inducted along with fellow Priest members J.K Downing, Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Dave Holland and Scott Travis.
Downing, who Binks had spoken to since 2017 before they reconnected in 2022, said the reunion was “great”, calling Binks: “one of the greatest drummers in the world and a good friend and a great guy.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
