The music world is reeling from the heartbreaking news of Brent Hinds’ untimely death. The former Mastodon guitarist and vocalist lost his life in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta, his hometown, on Wednesday, August 20, according to Atlanta News First.
Hinds was cruising on his Harley Davidson when a BMW SUV driver failed to give way during a turn, resulting in the fatal collision, authorities reported.
The Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirmed the passing of the 51-year-old musician, leaving fans and the industry in mourning.
Mastodon Mourns a Creative Titan
On Thursday, August 21, Mastodon shared their grief in a poignant Instagram post, reflecting on the profound loss of their bandmate.
“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief … last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” they wrote. “We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time.
Brent Hinds’ Legacy with Mastodon
Born January 16, 1974, Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor. For a quarter-century, this lineup crafted groundbreaking progressive metal, delivering iconic albums like Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack the Skye, which cemented their place in 21st-century music history.
However, Hinds’ journey with Mastodon ended before his passing. In a statement, the band announced their parting:
“Friends and fans: After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” they wrote. “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.”
The band soldiered on, performing their first show without Hinds alongside guitarist and YouTuber Ben Eller, later joined by progressive metal maestro Nick Johnston for subsequent live performances.
A Bitter Departure
The split was far from harmonious, according to Hinds. He publicly slammed the decision, calling Mastodon “a shit band with horrible humans” and taking shots at Sanders and Dailor. He claimed they “can’t sing together live or anywhere else i the world … everything they try to sing in the studio is manipulated by autotune because they’re incapable of singing in key.” His words painted a picture of deep creative and personal rifts.
Hinds’ Musical Ventures Post-Mastodon
Undeterred, Hinds dove back into music with gusto, collaborating with bands like Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, and Dirty B & the Boys. In April, these acts shared the stage at Atlanta’s Wild Heaven Garden Club for a special event, “An Evening With Brent Hinds,” showcasing his relentless passion for performance.
Hinds’ contributions to music, from Mastodon’s genre-defining albums to his later projects, leave an indelible mark. His loss is a gut punch to fans and fellow musicians alike, but his creative fire will continue to inspire.
Stay tuned for updates on Mastodon’s 2025 tour and tributes to Brent Hinds. Share your memories of his music in the comments below.