Legendary Rock Drummer Dies Audio Ink Radio

Legendary Rock Drummer Dies

2025-04-15

A legendary drummer, one who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his band, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Travis Shin

It’s always sad when a beloved musician passes away, but it’s also inevitable as some of classic rock’s biggest names get up there in age. Now, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer has passed away, his band confirmed in a heartfelt statement on April 14.

This drummer played on a bevy of celebrated rock and metal albums, and he’ll be missed.

Beloved Drummer Was ‘First Class’

In a message posted to Instagram, longstanding metal band Judas Priest shared the sad news that former drummer Les Binks has passed away at the age of 73.

“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans,” the band (pictured above, without Binks) said in a collective statement. “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 Judas Priest just now is paying their respects to Binks, he actually passed away on March 15, according to a death notice, which states that he died “peacefully at hospital in London.” The notice doesn’t give a cause of death, but his family asked for donations to the Chest, Heart & Stroke Association and said Binks was “lovingly remembered by his brother, sisters and all the family circle.”

Binks performed drums on some of Judas Priest’s most well-known albums, including “Stained Class,” “Hell Bent For Leather” and “Unleashed In The East.” He left the band after the release of “Unleashed in the East” and was replaced by Dave Holland.

Following his time in Judas Priest, Binks worked with British metal bands Lionheart and Tytan and performed with his band Les Binks’ Priesthood until recently. He also got back together with Priest for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and performed a three-song set at the ceremony, so he’s a bona fide Rock Hall member.

Les Binks and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Regarding the Rock Hall, Binks told told Metal Crypt in a 2022 interview that he had helped former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing through what could have been a difficult and fiery reunion for the induction.

“There’s been a lot of anguish between the two sides,” Binks told the outlet. “I spoke to K.K. [Downing, the band’s former guitarist] before. We flew together to Los Angeles and flew back together. We just decided … ‘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.”

He added that he “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.”

In a 2023 interview with Guitar World, Downing talked about his band, KK’s Priest, noting, “This is one more shot at glory for me. I know the things I’ve been denied. I shouldn’t have to build it up all over again.”

Binks will be missed. There just aren’t a lot of fantastic metal drummers out there, so losing one hurts extra hard. Watch Binks’ performance with Judas Priest at the 2022 Rock Hall induction below.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.

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