Brent Hinds, Mastodon Co-Founder, Dies at 51 Following Motorcycle Accident

Brent Hinds, Mastodon Co-Founder, Dies at 51 Following Motorcycle Accident

Brent Hinds, the co-founder and former lead guitarist of heavy metal band Mastodon, has died, The Hollywood Reporter can confirm. He was 51.

Hinds died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta on Wednesday night, a representative for the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to THR. According to a police report obtained by Atlanta News First, an SUV “failed to yield” at an intersection, which caused the crash.

Hinds’ death comes just months after he left the band back in March of this year, with the band saying at the time that “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.”

Hinds co-founded Mastodon 25 years ago alongside Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and  Brann Dailor, and the band would become one of the most successful metal groups of their generation. Mastodon released eight studio albums together with Hinds, starting with 2002 album Remission. The group released tehir most-recent album Hushed and Grim in 2021. The band earned six Grammy nominations throughout their career, as well as a win in 2018 for best metal performance for “Sultan’s Curse.”

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief … last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” the band wrote on Instagram Thursday. “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.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is made available.