Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks, whose drumming helped define the band's heavy metal sound, has died at 73.
His former band confirmed his passing in a statement on social media, which you can read below:
"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…"
While his cause of death is unknown, it appears he died on March 15, according to reports.
Born James Leslie Binks in Portadown, Ireland, in 1951, the heavy metal drummer not only helped meld the heavy metal sound of Judas Priest, but added to the foundations of metal drumming with his double bass techniques and speed on the 1978 albums Stained Class and Killing Machine.
Binks played in several bands prior to Judas Priest, including Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover's solo band and a run with The Animals frontman Eric Burdon and his later band War.
He also charted in the US twice in 1974 with the pop act Fancy, with their groovy 1974 song "Feel Good" famously sampled in N.W.A.'s "Fuck tha Police" and by hundreds of other artists like Beastie Boys, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, and Eric B. & Rakim, among others.
In 2022, Binks finally received his due as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Irishman with the rest of Judas Priest, among an eclectic ilk including Dolly Parton, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, and others.
In his acceptance speech, Binks remained ever-classy, stating:
"Hi there. Well, I'm going to keep this short and sweet as you know drummers are always the quiet ones in bands unless, of course, you happen to be Keith Moon. Very, very honored to have this award tonight. I want to thank the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame very much. Right from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much."
Rest in power to a real one.
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