Brent Hinds, the former guitarist and vocalist of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta late Wednesday night. The news has left his bandmates and fans in a state of profound grief. Hinds was 51 years old at the time of the accident.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, Hinds was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on Boulevard SE at approximately 11:35 p.m. when he collided with a BMW SUV at the intersection of Memorial Drive SE. Reports indicate that the woman driving the BMW failed to yield while making a left turn but remained at the scene after the incident.
In a heartfelt statement, Mastodon expressed their devastation over the loss of their co-founder. “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” the band said. They described Hinds as a “creative force” with whom they shared many triumphs and milestones, and they extended their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Hinds was a pivotal member of Mastodon, contributing to the band’s six Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Metal Performance in 2018 with the track “Sultan's Curse.” His musical talent and innovative style helped shape the band’s sound, making them one of the most influential acts in the heavy metal genre.
The music community has been deeply affected by Hinds' passing. William DuVall, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Alice in Chains, shared his sorrow, saying, “This has knocked the wind out of me. RIP to the great Brent Hinds.”
Mastodon was scheduled to perform at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, over 4,200 miles away from the accident scene, on Friday night. Despite the tragedy, a fair representative confirmed that the show was still expected to go on.
Earlier this month, Hinds had left the band, and reports suggest that his departure may not have been amicable. He posted a video of Mastodon’s performance of “Crack the Skye” from 2012, criticizing his former bandmates Troy Sanders and Brann Dailor for sounding “absolutely horrible and way out of key.” In his post, Hinds claimed, “Other members of the group kicked me out of the band for embarrassing them for being who I am.”
The tragic loss of Brent Hinds serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that one individual can have on the world of music. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire both fans and musicians alike.
