London, Apr 18 (UNI) Les Binks, former drummer of the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, passed away at the age of 73 last month due to unknown causes. The news of his death was unveiled recently by his former band members, who mourned the passing of their colleague and offered condolences to his family, calling him a “first class” drummer.

In a statement released on social media, Judas Priest wrote: "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."

Born in 1951 in Northern Ireland, 1951, Les joined Judas Priest in 1977 and played on two of the group’s most acclaimed and influential albums, ‘Stained Class’, and ‘Killing Machine’ in 1978.

In addition, he also played on the group’s first live album ‘Unleashed in the East’, released in 1979. However, he left the band before the US leg of their ‘Killing Machine Tour’ later in the same year.

“We were happy with Les,” bassist Ian Hill told Classic Rock. “Simon Phillips (session drummer) played on ‘Sin After Sin’ but he couldn’t do the tour. He had a prior commitment with Jack Bruce, of all people. Then Les came along. We were starting to get a direction. Suddenly we were a unit."

“We were embracing the double bass drum for the first time in a more adventurous way,” said vocalist Rob Halford. “It’s really vital to the overall texture of the record. Les was extremely technically proficient, a very clean drummer. You can really feel the separation, even on the fast tracks, and the definition of the beats…”

The two albums were critical in cementing Judas Priest’s position as one of the all-time greatest and most influential metal bands in history, delivering classics such as ‘Exciter’, ‘Better By You Better Than Me’, ‘Evening Star’ and ‘Hell Bent For Leather’, among others.

Though his participation in the band was brief, lasting only two years, his stint also helped in establishing Judas Priest’s iconic black leather clad imagery, which the group has used till date.

Additionally, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, for his role in the band, and has been recognised as one of the greatest drummers of all time.

Various other musicians extended their condolences over his passing, including progressive metal band Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt, former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing, former Judas Priest and Iced Earth singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, and former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

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