Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer LES BINKS Dies; Band Issues Statement
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Former JUDAS PRIEST drummer Les Binks has died at the age of 73.
Earlier tonight (Monday, April 14),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..."
Binks played drums on PRIEST's "Stained Class", "Hell Bent For Leather" (released as "Killing Machine" in the United Kingdom) and "Unleashed In The East" albums.
After the release of "Unleashed In The East", Binks exited PRIEST and was replaced by ex-TRAPEZE member Dave Holland.
Les later told former PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing's official web site that the making of the live album "caused a rift between me and [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 fucker. But that's what happens if a band allows someone like that to manage them — they lose members. So exit drummer number four."
Since 2017, Binks performed classic Judas Priest songs live with a new band called Les Binks' Priesthood. He additionally intended to join the band KK's Priest after a one-time show in November 2019 playing Judas Priest songs at KK's Steelmill in Wolverhampton, along with other former Judas Priest members K. K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals). Other participants included David Ellefson (bass) of Megadeth and A.J. Mills (guitar) of the UK band Hostile. However, Binks reportedly suffered a fractured wrist prior to the recording of KK's Priest's first album in 2020, so he was replaced by Sean Elg (The Three Tremors).
Binks was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in November 2022 along with some of the other former and current members of JUDAS PRIEST.
The PRIEST members that got inducted include current members Rob Halford (vocals),Ian Hill (bass),Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums),along with former members Binks, Downing and Holland.
Downing reconnected with Binks in 2017 for the first time in nearly four decades. Downing later described the experience of meeting his former bandmate as "great" and called Les "one of the greatest drummers in the world and a good friend and a great guy."
(Source: www.blabbermouth.net)
