Drummer from UK heavy metal band dies at the age of 73 - as tributes pour in for the star
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Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died at the age of 73.
On Monday the band released the following statement via social media: '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...'. His cause of death was not stated.
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in Birmingham in 1969. Northern Irish star Les was a member from 1977 to 1979 and left after falling out with the band's management.
They have sold over 50 million albums and are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time.
The current lineup consists of Rob Halford (vocals), Glenn Tipton (guitars), Richie Faulkner (guitars), Ian Hill (bass), and Scott Travis (drums).
Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has died at the age of 73 (The band are seen L-R: Les Binks, Glenn Tipton, Rob Halford, Ian Hill, KK Downing)
Les Binks (right) and KK Downing of Judas Priest seen in 2022
On Monday he band released the following statement via social media: 'We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans'
Les played drums on the band's Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather and Unleashed In The East albums.
After the release of Unleashed In The East, Les left the band and was replaced by ex-Trapeze member Dave Holland.
During the 70s, the core of bassist Ian Hill, lead singer Rob Halford and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing saw a revolving cast of drummers - with Les being the only one who played on more than one album.
He later said in an interview that tensions while making that final album led to him deciding to leave.
Les said: 'Making the live album 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***er.
'But that's what happens if a band allows someone like that to manage them — they lose members. So exit drummer number four.'
Fans shared their sadness at Les' death as they penned on X: 'He was a great drummer, loved his work on beyond the realms of death, RIP les, you were a legend x thoughts are with family, friend and his bandmates past and present.',
Les played drums on the band's Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather and Unleashed In The East albums
Seen on stage drumming at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction in November 2022
Drummer Les Binks, bassist Ian Hill, singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton and guitarist K. K. Downing in 1978
Fans shared their sadness at Les' death as they penned on X: 'He was a great drummer, loved his work on beyond the realms of death, RIP les, you were a legend x'
'So sad to hear about Les Binks passing. As a drummer myself, he will always be an inspiration to me. 'Stained Class' is one of my favorite albums of all time, so he will forever be a legend in my book. Rest in Peace.',
'Such a sad day. His drumming on Stained Class was an inspiration. Truly exceptional. Credited with Writing one of the greatest songs in Metal RIP.',
'Rip. He was my favorite Priest drummer.',
'No disrespect to the other drummers who have played with this fine band, but for me Les was the best. RIP Les and thank you for your contribution.',
'Really sorry to hear about this. When I was fifteen I bought a copy of 'Unleashed in the East' and listened to it to deal with the passing of my father, who'd died that same day. RIP, Les Binks.'
Les was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in November 2022 along with some of the other former and current members of the band - in what are the last public images of him.
Singer Rob Halford, Ian Hill (bass),Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums), along with former members Binks, Downing and Holland were all inducted.
Speaking of the experience at the time Les said there was some 'nervousness' as to how the reunion would go after he didn't leave the band in the best circumstances.
He told The Metal Crypt: 'I think there was some nervousness on the management side of things as to how the reunion with K.K. would go because there's been a lot of anguish between the two sides.
'I spoke to K.K. before. We flew together to Los Angeles and flew back together. We just decided, we are here at the invitation of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Let's just be professional about this, just bite your tongue and just get on with giving the audience the performance they came to see. That's what we did.
'I hadn't seen them for such a long time. I gave them all a big hug because I never fell out with anyone in the band. I fell out with the band's management, but not with them. I never had any cross words or any problems with anyone in the band personality-wise or creatively.
L-R Les Binks, KK Downing, Glenn Tipton, Rob Halford, Ian Hill in Japan in 1978
'I know there were issues that K.K. had, especially with Glenn and the management as well, but I didn't have those issues. I was able to reunite with the guys in the band without any problems at all.'
Last October legendary 70s band Judas Priest were forced to cancel their show, just hours before they were due on stage in Texas.
The heavy metal band, currently made up of Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner, were performing across the US to celebrate their latest album, Invincible Shield.
The Breaking The Law singers were due to take to the stage at Sugar Land in Houston but took to social media to issue a statement to cancel the gig due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Les was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in November 2022 along with some of the other former and current members of the band - in what are the last public images of him
Ian Hill, K. K. Downing, Rob Halford, Scott Travis, Les Binks and Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest
The message read: 'We are notifying you with an update to your event. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Judas Priest show on October 22 at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land has been canceled.
'Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.'
While they didn't give any further details away, they added: 'If you purchased from a third-party reseller (Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, VividSeats) etc, please reach out to your point of purchase.'
The rockers shot to fame with the release of their debut album, Rocka Rolla, in 1974.
Their latest album was unveiled earlier last year and shot to the top of the charts around the world, including Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.
Rob previously opened up about life on tour and shared that Texas has a special place in the group's heart and history, telling the Houston Chronicle: 'When Priest first came to America in the late 70s, Houston already knew us.
'Texas already knew us, Dallas, San Antonio, this part of America had already tuned in and turned on. Texas was waiting, Houston was waiting, through the great works that some of our friends in rock radio were doing, spreading the heavy metal gospel.
'We spent a lot of time in Texas. We couldn't believe that there were so many places to go to. Everybody wanted to see Priest, and that never left us, that generous Texas heart. It's a joy to come back. We're finishing in Texas.'
