Former Judas Priest Drummer Les Binks Dead At 73
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.
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]
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.
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