In a heartfelt tribute, Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor commemorated the legacy of his late bandmate Brent Hinds during the band's first performance since Hinds' tragic passing. This emotional moment took place at the Alaska State Fair on Friday, August 22. As the band concluded their set, Dailor stepped away from his drumkit to address the audience, with a poignant image of Hinds displayed on the screens behind him.
Dailor spoke candidly about the profound loss, stating, "We lost somebody very special to us yesterday. Brent Hinds, 25 years with us as our guitar player, one of the most creative, beautiful people that we've ever come across in this world, tragically left us. Very, very unfortunate." His words reflected the deep bond formed over years of collaboration and friendship.
He continued to express the complexity of their relationship: "We loved him so, so, so very much. And we had the ups and downs of a 25-year relationship. You know what I mean? It's not always perfect; it’s not always amazing, but we were brothers to the end." Dailor emphasized the impact of their shared musical journey, stating, "We made a lot, a lot of very beautiful music together." This legacy, he believes, will endure through the memories of fans who attended the concert.
Dailor further reflected on the unique experiences the band shared, from "traveling the world together" to "sleeping in a van together." He nostalgically recalled the wild times they had on tour, sharing, "We got way too drunk to remember anything the next day about a thousand, million times over." These reminiscences underscored the profound love and camaraderie that existed among the band members.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Dailor expressed gratitude to the audience for their support, saying, "You guys made it okay for us to come on stage and do this tonight. So that was for fucking Brent, okay?! Thank you guys so much.” This sincere acknowledgment highlighted the shared experience of mourning among the band's fans and community.
Brent Hinds tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident, struck by an SUV whose driver failed to yield while turning. Hinds was just 51 years old. Following the news of his death, Mastodon released a statement expressing their "unfathomable sadness and grief," emphasizing the impact Hinds had on their music and lives. The band stated, "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."
Hinds' passing resonated deeply within the music community, prompting tributes from various renowned musicians. Bands and artists such as Queens Of The Stone Age, Zakk Wylde, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt, and Garbage’s Shirley Manson all paid their respects to the influential guitarist, further highlighting the significant impact he had on the music industry.
The loss of Brent Hinds is a profound tragedy for Mastodon and the wider music community, yet the legacy of his creativity and the beautiful music he helped create will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
