Brent Hinds, former Mastodon singer-guitarist, dies at 51 in motorcycle accident
Former Mastodon vocalist and guitarist, Brent Hinds, tragically passed away at the age of 51 in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. According to authorities, Hinds was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when a BMW SUV driver failed to yield while making a turn, resulting in the fatal accident.
Upon arriving at the scene, Atlanta police found Hinds unresponsive, and an autopsy later confirmed that he had succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries. Known legally as William, Hinds was a creative force in the world of music, leaving an indelible mark on Mastodon and the hearts of countless fans around the world.
The band, Mastodon, expressed their devastation at the loss, stating that they are still trying to come to terms with the passing of a pivotal member of their musical journey. With hits such as Emperor of Sand and Once More ’round the Sun that climbed the Billboard charts, Mastodon garnered critical acclaim and achieved commercial success under Hinds’ leadership.
Having co-founded Mastodon in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor, Hinds played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and trajectory. Their third studio album, Blood Mountain, broke into the top 40 of the Billboard 200, solidifying Mastodon’s position in the heavy metal genre.
In a surprising turn of events, Hinds departed from the band in March 2025, citing mutual agreement as the reason for his departure. However, hints of a strained relationship with his former bandmates emerged through comments made on social media platforms, shedding light on potential tensions within the group.
Mastodon, recognized for their unique blend of metal, progressive elements, and sludge-rock influences, received multiple Grammy nominations, clinching a victory in 2017 for best metal performance with Sultan’s Curse from the album Emperor of Sand. Rolling Stone magazine commended the band’s evolution, particularly noting their 2011 album, The Hunter, as a standout release that showcased Mastodon’s musical prowess.
Despite his untimely passing, Hinds had plans to embark on a tour of Europe later in the year with his band, Fiend Without a Face, a project that initially began as a side venture during his tenure with Mastodon. The legacy of Brent Hinds lives on through his music, leaving an enduring impact on the metal and rock music landscape.