Mastodon’s former lead guitarist and singer, Brent Hinds, has been killed in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.
The Atlanta Police Department reported Wednesday that a male riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle died after colliding with a BMW SUV, whose driver failed to yield while turning left. An investigation is ongoing.
Hinds, who exited the heavy metal band in March after 25 years, was identified as the deceased male by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.
The musician’s fellow bandmates have since responded to his death in a joint Instagram statement.
“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” they wrote.
“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,” they continued.
“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.”
Born in Alabama on January 16, 1974, Hinds moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue music. There, he met his future Mastodon bandmate Troy Sanders and joined the bassist’s then-band, the Four Hour Fogger.
After the group’s eventual breakup, Hinds and Sanders met drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher, and together the four founded Mastodon in 2000.
Later that year, the band released their first demo with singer Eric Saner. However, Saner left the group after a few months.
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Following Saner’s departure, Hinds took over lead vocals. In 2002, the quartet released their debut record, Remission, followed by seven additional albums: Leviathan (2004), Blood Mountain (2006), Crack the Skye (2009), The Hunter (2011), Once More Around the Sun (2014), Emperor of Sand (2017), and Hushed Grim (2021).
Their biggest hits include “Blood and Thunder” off their second album, “The Motherload” off their 2014 album, and “Oblivion” off their 2009 album.
They have been nominated six times for Grammys going on to win their first in 2018 for Best Metal Performance for “Sultan’s Curse.”
After 25 years with the band, Hinds appeared to have a falling out with his bandmates. While the group in March announced they were parting ways with Hinds, wishing him “nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors,” he labeled them “horrible humans” in an Instagram comment.
Hinds was initially replaced by YouTuber Ben Eller for a live performance at the Tool Festival. Nick Johnston has since taken over for the band’s spring tour. It’s not yet known if he will be Hinds’s permanent replacement.