Ex-Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Gone at 51

Acclaimed metal musician was killed in a motorcycle accident

August 21, 2025August 22, 2025 Ron Hart 0 Comments Bill Kelliher, Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, Lamb of God, Mastodon, RIP, Troy Sanders, William DuVall

Not even six months after announcing his departure from Mastodon, guitarist Brent Hinds has tragically passed away after a fatal motorcycle crash in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to police documents, Hinds was traveling on his Harley Davidson when a BMW SUV didn’t stop when making a left-hand turn and collided with him. Hinds was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an Instagram post, the members of Mastodon said they are in a “state of unfathomable sadness and grief.”

“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,” the band said. “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.”

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“This has knocked the wind out of me,” wrote Alice in Chains frontman William DuVall, who worked with Hinds in the metal supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. “RIP to the great Brent Hinds.”

“Brent Hinds is gone,” began a lengthy eulogy from Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt. “An incredible musician. A force of nature. Our friend. My friend. I got the news today from the Mastodon boys as I was having coffee with my mother and her partner. They’re talking about their plans for the upcoming weekend, but I couldn’t really hear what they were saying, to be honest. I was (and still am) overwhelmed by shock. I reached out to the boys in my band delivering the tragic news and my phone has been buzzing every 10 seconds since… It’s too soon to grieve I suppose, this hasn’t sunk in at all. I only just heard about this tragedy 5 hours ago. It’s beyond devastating, and judging from what’s being said on our private Opeth group-chat I know I can speak for the whole band.”

“The members of the band wish to convey their deepest sympathy on the tragic and untimely death of former Mastodon guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds,” Tool wrote on their socials. “This one hits particularly close to home, as Brent was not only a fellow musician, who at times shared the stage with the guys as a guest guitarist, but was also a good friend outside the tour venues. With his creative output and valued friendship, though he has passed onto another plane, rest assured that he will not be forgotten on this one.”

“And, of course, Brent was a motherfucker on six strings,” proclaimed Lamb of God guitarist Mark Duane Morton in his post. “He heard things that nobody else heard…. so he’d bring them to life so that we could all hear them too. I’m so grateful to have known him.”

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Born in 1974, Hinds first played in the mid-1990s Atlanta act Four Hour Fogger with future Mastodon bassist Troy Sanders. In early 2000, Hinds linked up with drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher, both new to the city and looking to form a band. After seeing Hinds and Sanders at a Four Hour Fogger open up for High On Fire, the quartet forged together to create Mastodon.

For 25 years, Hinds cemented his place at the forefront of a new generation of metal acts, capturing hearts and melting brains with his Southern-seasoned guitar work and dark, soulful vocals by din of such essential albums as 2004’s Leviathan, 2009’s Crack the Skye and his final work with the group, 2021’s Hushed and Grim.

Before his death, Hinds was developing and selling guitar pedals, and was plotting a solo tour, An Evening With Brent Hinds, set for November and December throughout Europe. He was also playing gigs with his longtime project Fiend Without A Face.

Brent Hinds was 51.