Brent Hinds, the fiery, inventive guitarist who co-founded and defined the sound of Mastodon, has died at the age of 51 following a motorcycle crash in Atlanta. According to police and the Fulton County medical examiner’s office, Hinds was riding his Harley Davidson late Wednesday night when the driver of a BMW SUV failed to yield, causing the fatal collision. His death was confirmed by both authorities and his former bandmates, leaving fans and the music world stunned.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Mastodon expressed their heartbreak: “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.”
Born William Brent Hinds in Helena, Alabama, in 1974, Hinds grew up immersed in Southern musical traditions, first teaching himself to play banjo before transitioning to guitar. That distinctive banjo-influenced picking style and sense of rhythm would later become a signature of his guitar work, setting Mastodon apart from other metal bands of the early 2000s. Moving to Atlanta in the late 1990s, Hinds met bassist Troy Sanders and performed with him in the short-lived group Four Hour Fogger before the two joined forces with drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher to form Mastodon in 2000.
From their debut album Remission (2002), it was clear Mastodon was unlike anything in contemporary heavy music. Hinds’ guitar playing — fluid, experimental, blending the aggression of metal with the complexity of prog-rock and the rawness of Southern rock — became central to the band’s identity. By the time of Blood Mountain (2006) and Crack the Skye (2009), Mastodon had secured a reputation as one of the most innovative metal bands of their generation, bridging underground credibility with mainstream recognition. Their music not only won them a devoted fanbase but also Grammy Awards and headlining slots on major festivals around the world.
Beyond his work with Mastodon, Hinds was a restless creative force. He collaborated with numerous musicians, contributed to side projects like Fiend Without a Face and West End Motel, and lent his unmistakable guitar style to recordings that blurred the lines between metal, punk, country, and psychedelic rock. Known for his raw honesty, he was never afraid to be outspoken, whether about the music industry, his personal struggles, or his own band. Earlier this year, he parted ways with Mastodon amid controversy — with the band announcing his departure as mutual, while Hinds himself claimed he had been pushed out. Despite the public rift, his role as the group’s co-founder and the architect of much of their sound remains undeniable.
Hinds’ life offstage was as colorful as his music. Recognizable by his tattoos, distinctive mustache, and eccentric stage presence, he embodied the image of the fearless rock guitarist. Yet those who knew him best often spoke of his warmth, humor, and deep love for his craft. His tragic passing cuts short a life still rich with creativity and possibility, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to reverberate in the world of heavy music.
He is survived by his family, countless fans, and a body of work that will endure for decades to come. For those who found solace, adrenaline, and inspiration in Mastodon’s music, Brent Hinds was more than a guitarist — he was a visionary who helped redefine what heavy metal could be.
Информация по комментариям в разработке