Former Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies in Motorcycle Crash

ATLANTA, Aug. 22, 2025 - Brent Hinds, the Grammy-winning co-founder and former singer-guitarist of Mastodon, died late Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta. He was 51.

Hinds was riding his Harley-Davidson west on Boulevard Southeast. A BMW SUV turned left at Memorial Drive and didn’t yield. It hit his motorcycle, as reported by Atlanta police. Emergency responders found him dead at the scene. He suffered multiple blunt force injuries, as confirmed later by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.

“ “We are heartbroken and shocked. We’re still processing the loss of this creative force. We shared many triumphs and milestones together. Their music touched so many hearts,” Mastodon said in a social media statement.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000. He did this with drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and bassist Troy Sanders. Over 25 years, he worked on eight studio albums. This includes the platinum-selling *Once More ‘Round the Sun* and the Grammy-nominated *Emperor of Sand*./em>. Earlier this year, Mastodon announced that Hinds and the band had “mutually decided to part ways.” They noted differing creative paths after being together for 25 years.

Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians worldwide. Tool’s members shared their sadness. They remembered Hinds as “an incredible musician” and “a close friend.” Mikael Åkerfeldt, the frontman of Opeth, reflected on their tours. He described Hinds as “a force of nature” in music.

In addition to his work with Mastodon, Hinds fronted projects such as Fiend Without a Face and Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. He is survived by his family and fans all over the world. They loved his magnetic stage presence and his trailblazing music. The band asks the public to honor Hinds’s memory. Please respect his loved ones’ privacy during this tough time.