Brent Hinds was killed in Atlanta
The former lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Mastodon has died following a motorcycle accident in Atlanta last night (Wed, Aug 20th). An incident report from the Atlanta Police Department says that 51-year-old William Brent Hinds was killed after the driver of a BMW SUV ran into the Harley Davidson he was operating when it failed to yield while making a turn at an intersection.
Hinds was unresponsive when police arrived at the corner of Memorial Drive SE and Boulevard SE around 11:35 pm. Medical personnel pronounced Hinds dead at the 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 into the male victim who was operating the Harley Davidson. The investigation remains active at this time,” Atlanta PD writes.
The band shared a statement on social media regarding Hinds’ passing.
“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. 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,” they share.
The group’s label, Relapse Records, credits Hinds for Mastodon’s sound.
“Our hearts are broken with the news of Brent Hinds’ tragic passing. It is an understatement to say that Mastodon forever changed the course of Relapse’s history, for the absolute better. The records Mastodon released with Relapse are all time classics across any genre, and they would not sound the way they sound, without Brent. His larger than life personality was eclipsed only by his monstrous musicianship. Our love goes out to Brent’s friends and family, the rest of Mastodon and everyone else lucky enough to have had their lives changed by the music that Brent brought to the world,” writes Relapse’s Rennie Jaffe.
Hinds departed the band in March 2025 after 25 years together. Mastodon has released eight studio albums and a number of EPs and live albums. Their albums often feature a central theme or concept.
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