Former Mastodon member Brent Hinds dies at 51 in motorcycle accident
Brent Hinds, the talented former singer-guitarist of the renowned heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically passed away in a motorcycle collision in Atlanta, according to reports from the band and local authorities. At 51 years old, Hinds’ life was cut short due to a fatal accident on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when a BMW SUV driver failed to yield during a turn. The incident caused multiple blunt force injuries, leading to Hinds being unresponsive at the scene.
The Mastodon band members expressed their profound grief, shock, and difficulty processing the loss of an artistic genius with whom they shared many significant achievements and musical creations that resonated deeply with audiences. Mastodon, recognized for their stellar achievements, notably had three albums that climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with two albums topping the Rock Album chart – “Emperor of Sand” in 2017 and “Once More ’round the Sun” in 2014.
In the year 2000, Hinds, along with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor, co-founded Mastodon. The band’s breakthrough came with their third studio album, “Blood Mountain,” released in 2006, marking their first entry into the Top 40, peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard 200 charts.
In a surprising turn of events, Hinds departed from Mastodon in March 2025, with no specific reason disclosed for his decision. The band mentioned that they had mutually agreed to part ways, although Hinds’ social media posts suggested a strained relationship with his former bandmates. The band conveyed their pride and gratitude for their shared musical journey, expressing well-wishes for Hinds’ future pursuits.
Mastodon, a band known for their aggressive metal sound blended with progressive elements and sludge rock influences, earned six Grammy Award nominations, clinching a win in 2017 for the best metal performance category with “Sultan’s Curse” from the album “Emperor of Sand.” Notably, Rolling Stone magazine acclaimed Mastodon’s 2011 album, “The Hunter,” placing it among the best offerings of the year, praising the band’s ability to condense their intense thrash style into a sharp sound without compromising their inherent complexity and eccentricity.
Notably, Hinds had plans to embark on a European tour later in the year with Fiend Without a Face, a band that originally served as a side project during his tenure with Mastodon. The news of Hinds’ untimely passing has left a void in the music industry and fans’ hearts, marking the end of a vibrant career and promising future in the realm of heavy metal music.