Ex-Mastodon Guitarist, Singer-Songwriter Brent Hinds Dies In Motorcycle Accident

Brent Hinds, the talented singer, guitarist and songwriter for influential progressive metal band Mastodon, died in a motorcycle accident last night, according to the band. He was 51 years old. The news was reported by Consequence of Sound, citing an Atlanta police report.

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” Mastodon shared on Instagram with a photo of Hinds. “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. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent.”

Hinds, born in Alabama, moved to Atlanta where he met Mastodon frontman and bassist Troy Saunders, leading to the formation of what would become one of metal’s most influential and successful bands of the 2000s, with landmark concept album Leviathan showcasing a creative, helter-skelter prog approach, with Hinds himself bringing elements of bands like Rush and Yes to a heavy style of metal popularized by Swedish bands like Opeth. The decidedly southern American take on obscure heavy metal led to critical acclaim and widespread appeal, with albums like Blood Mountain and Crack The Skye heavily featuring Hinds’s vocals, songwriting and lead guitar alongside guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Daillor, who had taken a lead role in the band in recent years.

Last year, the band announced it was parting ways with Hinds, although publicly wished him “nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.” Hinds in recent months had been critical of the band, seemingly confirming that he was actually kicked out of the group and offering some choice insults for his former creative partners. He had done some solo gigs and recently finished some European tour dates in support of blues guitarist Marcus King.

The band’s most recent LP, the sprawling epic Hushed and Grim, was released in 2021.

Without Hinds, Mastodon has remained active on the road touring, with recent appearances at festivals like Sonic Temple, the Ozzy Osbourne farewell event “Back To The Beginning” in England, European festivals like Wacken Open Air and co-headline dates with Coheed and Cambria. The band is represented by Pinnacle Entertainment in the U.S. and managed by Rick Sales Entertainment Group.