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Former Judas Priest Drummer Les Binks Dies at 73

The influential musician, credited with shaping the sound of heavy metal, was remembered by former bandmates and peers; the cause of death remains undisclosed.

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Ian Hill, K. K. Downing, Rob Halford, Scott Travis, Les Binks and Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest pose in the press room during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on Nov, 5, 2022 in Los Angeles.
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Overview

  • Les Binks, former drummer for Judas Priest, has died at the age of 73, as confirmed by an Instagram post from his former bandmates.
  • Binks was instrumental in defining Judas Priest's sound during his tenure from 1977 to 1979, contributing to iconic albums like 'Stained Class' and 'Killing Machine'.
  • Tributes from the band and peers, including former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, highlighted his groundbreaking drumming and influence on the speed metal genre.
  • Binks left Judas Priest in 1979 following a dispute with the band's manager over payment for the live album 'Unleashed In The East'.
  • The cause of Binks' death has not been publicly disclosed at this time, though his legacy continues to be celebrated across the music community.