Brent Hinds, the co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the legendary American band Mastodon, has died at the age of 51 following a tragic motorcycle accident in Atlanta.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday, August 20, at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard in southeast Atlanta. Hinds was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by a BMW SUV that failed to yield while making a turn. Despite a rapid response from emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His passing was confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office and later by his bandmates.
A Statement from the Band
Mastodon released an official statement on Instagram, expressing their deep grief:
We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. 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.
RIP Brent.
A Legacy of Metal
Born in Alabama, William Brent Hinds was a cornerstone of the metal community. He first connected with Troy Sanders in Atlanta, and together they played in the band Four Hour Fogger before co-founding Mastodon in 2000 with Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor. The band quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most influential forces in modern metal and earning critical acclaim worldwide.
Hinds’ death comes just months after his departure from the band. In March, Mastodon announced his exit as a “mutually agreed upon” decision, though Hinds had recently stated in interviews that he was kicked out, hinting at some discord between him and his former bandmates.
