David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth) and Great White guitarist Mark Kendall have shared tributes to James Leslie Binks, who passed away on March 15 at the age of 73. Binks, who played drums for Judas Priest from 1977 to 1979, appeared on the albums Stained Class and Killing Machine (also known as Hell Bent For Leather).
David Ellefson paid tribute, writing, “It’s with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the beloved Les Binks. I had the incredible honor of meeting and performing with him, along with K.K. Downing and Tim Ripper Owens from the mighty Judas Priest legacy, during the unforgettable show at KK’s Steel Mill back in 2019. Playing alongside Les was truly a dream come true. His powerful and groundbreaking drumming helped shape the very foundation of speed metal, with iconic performances on tracks like “Exciter” and so many others that set the standard for generations to come.
My deepest condolences to his fans, friends, and family. You will be missed, my friend.” 
Mark Kendall shared, “Sorry to hear about Les Binks. I know Rob Halford was very fond of Les, he told me so. The drums on Stained Class & Hell Bent for Leather are incredible. Go back and listen! As an up and comer we used to crank that album daily when I lived with Don Costa and Tony Richards. That was a go to album!”
Judas Priest has shared the following message mourning Binks’ passing: ““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…”
In 2022, Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest via the Award for Musical Excellence. Binks played a three-song set with Judas Priest at their Rock and Roll Fall of Fame induction ceremony on November 5, 2022, marking his first appearance with the band in 43 years.
The post DAVID ELLEFSON Pays Tribute To Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer LES BINKS – “His Powerful And Groundbreaking Drumming Helped Shape The Very Foundation Of Speed Metal” appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
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David Ellefson paid tribute, writing, “It’s with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the beloved Les Binks. I had the incredible honor of meeting and performing with him, along with K.K. Downing and Tim Ripper Owens from the mighty Judas Priest legacy, during the unforgettable show at KK’s Steel Mill back in 2019. Playing alongside Les was truly a dream come true. His powerful and groundbreaking drumming helped shape the very foundation of speed metal, with iconic performances on tracks like “Exciter” and so many others that set the standard for generations to come.
My deepest condolences to his fans, friends, and family. You will be missed, my friend.” Mark Kendall shared, “Sorry to hear about Les Binks. I know Rob Halford was very fond of Les, he told me so. The drums on Stained Class & Hell Bent for Leather are incredible. Go back and listen! As an up and comer we used to crank that album daily when I lived with Don Costa and Tony Richards. That was a go to album!”
Judas Priest has shared the following message mourning Binks’ passing: ““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…”
In 2022, Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest via the Award for Musical Excellence. Binks played a three-song set with Judas Priest at their Rock and Roll Fall of Fame induction ceremony on November 5, 2022, marking his first appearance with the band in 43 years.
The post DAVID ELLEFSON Pays Tribute To Former JUDAS PRIEST Drummer LES BINKS – “His Powerful And Groundbreaking Drumming Helped Shape The Very Foundation Of Speed Metal” appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...