According to Atlanta News First, former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds died in a car crash in southeast Atlanta on Wednesday night, August 20. He was 51. The Fulton County medical examiner’s office later confirmed his passing.
The Atlanta Police Department provided details in an incident report. “Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male who was involved in the collision,” they said. “The male appeared to be operating a Harley-Davidson during the time of the collision. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased. The other driver involved, a female who occupied a BMW SUV, remained on scene. The APD Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine the circumstances. Preliminary investigation indicates the male was traveling West on Boulevard. The female operating the BMW SUV failed to yield while turning left and collided with the male victim, who was operating the Harley-Davidson. The investigation remains active at this time.”
Word of Hinds’s death spread quickly, first appearing on Reddit after Tool guitarist Adam Jones shared an image of Hinds on Instagram early Thursday, August 21.
For many fans, the news is particularly poignant because it comes so soon after Hinds’s official departure from Mastodon earlier this year. Back in March, the band revealed that they had “mutually decided to part ways” after “25 monumental years together.”
In a statement at the time, Mastodon wrote: “Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways.
“We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared, and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.
“We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.”
Hinds had been with Mastodon since 2000, serving as both lead guitarist and vocalist alongside bassist/singer Troy Sanders, drummer Brann Dailor, and guitarist Bill Kelliher. That lineup held steady for a quarter century, releasing eight albums beginning with Remission in 2002 and most recently Hushed And Grim in 2021.
The band’s legacy is undeniable. With nine albums landing on the Billboard 200 and six Grammy nominations, Mastodon secured its place as one of modern metal’s most respected acts. Their 2018 win for “Sultan’s Curse” in the “Best Metal Performance” category remains a career milestone.
