Former Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Atlanta, GA - William Brent Hinds, known as the guitarist and co-founder of Mastodon, died on Wednesday night, August 20, 2025. His Harley-Davidson was hit by a BMW SUV at Memorial Drive SE and Boulevard SE in southeast Atlanta. He was 51 years old.

The Atlanta Police Department said officers got to the scene at about 11:35 p.m. They discovered Hinds unresponsive there. Investigators found that the SUV driver didn’t yield when making a left turn. As a result, the SUV collided with Hinds’s motorcycle. Medical staff declared him dead at the scene. Later, the Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed it.

Hinds rose to fame in 2000. He co-founded Mastodon with Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher. In 25 years, the band released eight studio albums. They began with 2002’s *Remission* and ended with 2021’s *Hushed and Grim*. During this time, they earned six Grammy nominations. They also won Best Metal Performance in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse.” In March 2025, Mastodon said they and Hinds had “mutually decided to part ways” after 25 years. Hinds later disagreed, calling his exit a dismissal.

After he left, Hinds stayed involved in music. He led his psychobilly band, Fiend Without a Face, and his rock group, Dirty B & The Boys. He wrapped up a European headlining tour this summer called “An Evening with Brent Hinds.” It included both of his side projects.

Brent Hinds is survived by his family and many fans worldwide. They admired his unique hybrid-picking guitar style and strong vocals. The music community has honored Hinds on social media. They remember him as a trailblazer in modern metal and a unique creative force.

This is a developing story.