Les Binks, Former Drummer for Judas Priest, Dies at 73

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Journey Begins: From Portadown to Prominence
4. Marking the Metal Soundtrack: Binks’ Contributions
5. A Legacy Remembered
6. The Influence of Heavy Metal Drumming
7. The Continuing Influence of Judas Priest
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Les Binks, renowned drummer of Judas Priest, passed away at 73.
• His influential work on the band's albums, including Stained Class and Killing Machine, helped shape heavy metal music.
• Binks was instrumental in writing the legendary track "Beyond the Realms of Death."
• His return to the spotlight occurred when he performed with Judas Priest during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022.

Introduction

Les Binks, a celebrated figure in heavy metal music whose drumming helped define the sound of Judas Priest in the late 1970s, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his dynamic playing style, Binks contributed to pivotal albums like Stained Class and Killing Machine, featuring tracks that influenced a generation of rock musicians. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of the genre, but his legacy continues to resonate in the music he helped create. This article explores Binks' life, his contributions to Judas Priest, and the impact he leaves behind in the world of rock music.

The Journey Begins: From Portadown to Prominence

Les Binks was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland, where his love for music blossomed early in life. He began drumming at just five years old, demonstrating talent that would soon lead him into the vibrant music scenes of the 1960s and 1970s. Binks' early musical endeavors included various bands throughout his adolescence, setting the foundation for a career that would lead him to some of the most renowned venues and recording studios in the world.

In 1972, seeking greater opportunities, Binks moved to London. It was there that he quickly established himself as a sought-after session and touring musician. His versatility allowed him to work with prolific artists, including Eric Burdon of The Animals and the pop band Fancy, before landing a role in the ambitious rock opera The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast, led by Deep Purple's Roger Glover.

Joining Judas Priest

It was through Glover's connections that Binks eventually joined Judas Priest, stepping in for drummer Simon Phillips during the band's world tour for their 1977 album Sin After Sin. With Binks' arrival, a new chapter began for the band, which was poised to take the heavy metal genre by storm.

During his tenure, the band recorded Stained Class (1978) and Killing Machine (1979), creating a sound that would be integral to the development of the genre. Binks' technical prowess and innovative approach to drumming were evident in the driving beats that characterized these albums.

Marking the Metal Soundtrack: Binks’ Contributions

Binks' contributions to Judas Priest are perhaps best exemplified through tracks from their groundbreaking albums. The drumming on Stained Class offered a blend of speed and power that matched the band's lyrical themes of rebellion and existentialism.

One of Binks’ most memorable contributions came in the form of the song "Beyond the Realms of Death." He is credited with the song's haunting lead guitar riff, and Binks himself described it as a necessary contrast to the band's more uptempo tracks. In a 2017 interview, he expressed his vision for the song, explaining, “They needed to introduce some light and shade with a big rock ballad,” showcasing his understanding of dynamics within heavy metal.

Binks also played a crucial role in creating the anthem “Take On the World,” which became a staple of the band's repertoire. As he described the simplicity of the song’s structure, it was his meticulous drumming that elevated its energy, blending foot stomps with tightly synchronized techniques that mirrored the infectious enthusiasm of the lyrics.

A Career Defined: From Hits to Tensions

Despite his crucial role in Judas Priest’s rise to fame, Binks' time with the band was overshadowed by internal tensions regarding compensation, particularly over his contributions to the live album, Unleashed in the East. Despite claiming no personal or musical conflicts with the band, Binks at one point characterized their manager at the time, Mike Dolan, as a "despicable con man," claiming unfinished negotiations led to his exit.

Life After Judas Priest

After parting ways with Judas Priest in 1979, Binks continued to work within the music industry, engaging with various bands like Lionhearted, Tytan, and Raw Glory. However, he remained closely tied to his past, often performing classic Judas Priest songs and collaborating with former bandmates like K.K. Downing and Tim Owens.

In the late 2010s, Binks embraced opportunities to revisit his legacy. He rejoined the band for some celebrated performances, including a memorable appearance at the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where he played alongside the current roster of Judas Priest, delighting long-time fans and introducing his talents to a new coalition of listeners.

A Legacy Remembered

The news of Binks’ passing reverberates through the heavy metal community, eliciting tributes that highlight not just his skill as a drummer but also his impact as a creative force within Judas Priest. In a statement, the band expressed their heartfelt condolences, underscoring the unique techniques and flair that Binks brought to their music, affirming that “his acclaim will live on.”

Binks’ contributions helped lay the groundwork for heavy metal music, influencing drummers and bands that followed. His ability to merge technical prowess with musical sensitivity exemplifies the art of drumming, demonstrating how it can not only provide rhythm but also deepen the emotional resonance of a song.

The Influence of Heavy Metal Drumming

The significance of Binks and his contemporaries transcends mere musical influence; their innovations set the stage for the evolution of drumming techniques and styles within the genre. Binks, alongside peers like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Neil Peart of Rush, played a key role in shaping heavy metal drumming into a complex, dynamic art form.

Key elements of his style included:

• Double Bass Techniques: Binks was known for his work with double bass drumming, a hallmark of heavy metal music. This technique adds depth and frenzy to the vivacious tempos of songs, enhancing their driving force.

• Integration of Rock Ballads: Binks’ understanding of dynamics allowed him to excel not just in fast-paced songs but also in beautiful ballads. His work on tracks like "Beyond the Realms of Death" emphasized emotional storytelling through rhythm.

• Stage Performance: Binks was also a performer who combined technical ability with theatricality, an important aspect of heavy metal shows that continues to influence drummers today. His presence on stage resonated with audiences, making each performance memorable.

The Continuing Influence of Judas Priest

Judas Priest’s enduring popularity attests not only to their music but also to the band’s ability to evolve with the times while retaining the essence that made them iconic. As the genre of heavy metal continues to grow and diversify, Binks’ contributions remain a pivotal part of that legacy. His work helped solidify Judas Priest's status as one of the genre’s titans, with especially profound effects on the evolution of speed and power metal.

Binks’ death is a reminder of the realities faced by legendary artists—often navigating not just theatrical personas and musical endeavors, but also the complexities of personal relationships and industry challenges. As fans and musicians alike pay homage to Binks, they celebrate not only his individual contributions but also the collective journey shared through music and creativity.

FAQ

What was Les Binks’ most famous contribution to Judas Priest?

Les Binks is perhaps best known for his drumming on the albums Stained Class and Killing Machine, particularly contributing to the well-loved song "Beyond the Realms of Death."

How did Binks join Judas Priest?

Binks joined Judas Priest in 1977 as a touring drummer following the recommendation of Roger Glover, who co-produced Judas Priest's album Sin After Sin. He stepped in for drummer Simon Phillips.

Why did Les Binks leave Judas Priest?

Binks departed from Judas Priest in 1979 due to tensions with the band’s management regarding compensation issues, although he reported no musical or personal differences with the band members themselves.

Did Les Binks return to perform with Judas Priest after leaving?

Yes, Binks returned to perform with Judas Priest at various events, including a notable appearance during the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2022.

How is Binks remembered in the heavy metal community?

Binks is remembered as a pioneering drummer whose techniques and contributions influenced the sound of heavy metal music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre he helped define.