Les Binks, the revered drummer from Judas Priest in the late 1970s, tragically passed away on March 15, 2025 at the age of 73. He left an indelible mark on heavy metal with his “first-class” technique, flair, style, and precision—qualities celebrated in tributes from both his former bandmates and peers across the music world.
In response to this profound loss, plans are now underway in England to commission a monumental bronze statue** honoring Binks’s outstanding contributions to rock music. The proposed statue will stand as a testament to his legacy and is expected to be placed in a prominent public space—likely within Birmingham or London, cities closely tied to his rise with Judas Priest.
The envisioned memorial will feature Binks in his iconic drumming pose, sticks raised, captured in a triumphant moment behind a drum kit. Fans and sculptors alike believe the statue will serve not only as a memorial to Binks’s technical prowess but also as a celebration of his pioneering influence on the speed-metal genre.
Local music historians and public officials are already showing support: a brief proposal submitted to the Birmingham City Council highlighted Binks’s crucial role on albums *Stained Class,Killing Machine and Unleashed in the East describing him as “a drummer whose acumen helped define the twin-bass sound of heavy metal”
If greenlit, the memorial is expected to coincide with an annual tribute concert, bringing together former bandmates and admirers to unveil the statue and celebrate his career. Community fundraising and sponsorships are anticipated, with contributions from fans worldwide, industry groups, and possibly Judas Priest themselves.
In the heart of England, this monument would stand as a lasting tribute to Les Binks: a drummer whose precision, power, and passion transcended the stage, forever shaping the course of metal music.
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