On Monday night, April 14, the iconic heavy metal band shared a heartfelt message on social media confirming the tragic news.

“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends and fans,” the band wrote.

“The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style and precision.

Thank you Les – your acclaim will live on…”

Les Binks joined Judas Priest in the late 1970s and played a crucial role during one of the band’s most influential periods. His drumming is featured on some of their most iconic albums: Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather (released in the UK as Killing Machine), and the live classic Unleashed In The East.

Despite his rising acclaim within the band and among fans, Binks made a sudden departure shortly after the release of Unleashed In The East. He was later replaced by Dave Holland, a former member of the band Trapeze.

While the band continued to rise in fame, Binks’s exit has long remained a point of curiosity and speculation among fans and music historians. Though his time in Judas Priest was relatively brief, his contribution to their sound helped shape an era of metal that continues to influence artists today.

The drumming community and metal world have lost a true innovator. May his legacy live on through the music he helped create.