Former lead guitarist of Mastodon dies in motorcycle accident
Brent Hinds, the former lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. At the age of 51, Hinds was involved in a collision with a car late one night which resulted in his untimely death, according to Atlanta police reports.
Being one of the key figures in Mastodon, Hinds had a significant impact on the band’s success. With three albums reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart and two albums topping the Rock Album chart, including Emperor of Sand in 2017 and Once More ’round the Sun in 2014, Mastodon achieved great commercial and critical success under Hinds’ leadership. Formed in 2000, Mastodon was co-founded by Hinds alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor, creating a powerful and unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Despite the band’s achievements and recognition in the music industry, Hinds decided to part ways with Mastodon in March 2025. The reasons for his departure were not explicitly stated, but a mutual agreement between Hinds and the band was indicated in their official statement. However, Hinds’ social media posts hinted at some underlying tensions within the group, suggesting a possible reason for his exit.
Mastodon’s musical prowess was further validated by their multiple Grammy Award nominations, with a win in 2017 for Best Metal Performance for their track “Sultan’s Curse” from the album Emperor of Sand. Notable publications such as Rolling Stone praised Mastodon for their artistry, particularly highlighting their album The Hunter as one of the best releases of 2011. Described as a band that seamlessly blended thrash metal, progressive elements, and sludge rock, Mastodon’s contribution to the genre was widely acclaimed by both fans and critics alike.
To add to his musical legacy, Hinds was set to embark on a European tour later in the year with his band Fiend Without a Face, continuing his passion for creating and performing music. Despite his untimely passing, Hinds will be remembered for his immense talent, creativity, and dedication to the heavy metal genre, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and the hearts of fans worldwide.