Remembering Les Binks

Honoring Les Binks: The Unsung Hero Behind Judas Priest’s Thunderous Rise

Rock and metal fans across the world remember Les Binks not just as a drummer, but as the rhythmic backbone of one of metal’s most iconic eras. As a former member of Judas Priest, Binks left an indelible mark on the band’s sound, helping to shape the sonic intensity that defined a generation of heavy metal.

While his time with Judas Priest was relatively brief, his influence was nothing short of massive.

A Critical Piece of Metal History

Les Binks joined Judas Priest in 1977, stepping into a band that was on the cusp of global stardom. His timing—and his talent—couldn’t have been better.

His first album with the band, "Stained Class" (1978), is widely regarded as a cornerstone of heavy metal history. From the precision and power of “Exciter” (a track that practically birthed speed metal) to the raw intensity of “Beyond the Realms of Death,” Binks’ drumming was both dynamic and inventive, blending power with finesse.

He continued this streak with "Hell Bent for Leather" (also known as Killing Machine), another classic that helped define Judas Priest’s leather-and-chains aesthetic and sharpened their signature twin-guitar attack. Binks also played on “Unleashed in the East” (1979), the band’s breakthrough live album that captured the sheer force of their performances—and his own commanding presence behind the kit.

A Technician and a Trailblazer

Les Binks brought a jazz-influenced technicality and musicality to metal drumming that was rare at the time. He wasn’t just keeping time—he was adding color, dynamics, and storytelling through rhythm. His double bass work, sharp snare rolls, and tasteful fills elevated Judas Priest’s already powerful music to new heights.

He wasn’t flashy in the way that many rock drummers of the era were, but those who listened closely knew they were hearing something special. Binks gave the band both thunder and swing—qualities that still influence drummers today.

A Quiet Force with Lasting Influence

Though he left Judas Priest in 1979, Les Binks’ impact never faded. His drumming remains deeply respected among fans, musicians, and critics alike. In later years, he performed with various acts and even reconnected with the Priest family through side projects like Les Binks’ Priesthood, keeping the spirit of classic-era Judas Priest alive.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside his Judas Priest bandmates—an honor that recognized not only his contributions to the band, but his role in building the genre we know today as heavy metal.

Remembering Les Binks

Les Binks wasn’t always the loudest voice in the room, but his drumming spoke volumes. He helped define an era, influenced countless musicians, and played a key role in one of the greatest metal lineups of all time.

As we honor his memory, we crank up Stained Class and Unleashed in the East, and we let that thunderous, precise, passionate rhythm carry us back to a golden era of heavy metal.

Thank you, Les. You were a true Metal God.