Obituary of Brent Hinds: Mastodon pays homage to the former guitarist and co-founder after his tragic motorbike accident in Atlanta

 William Brent Hinds, the renowned guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning band Mastodon, passed away tragically in a motorbike accident in Atlanta on Wednesday night, August 20, 2025. The heavy metal community is in grief. He was fifty-one.

When Hinds was riding his Harley Davidson motorbike at approximately 11:35 p.m., a BMW SUV refused to yield when turning at the junction of Memorial Drive and Boulevard, according to Atlanta police. His death was later verified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office.

Known for being one of the most inventive and significant guitarists of his generation, Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and bassist Troy Sanders. With eight studio albums released over the last 20 years and a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2018 for "Sultan's Curse" from their album Emperor of Sand (2017), the Atlanta-based band has gained international recognition.

Mastodon expressed their sorrow over the passing of their buddy and bandmate in a devastating social media statement:

"We are experiencing indescribable pain and sadness... Brent Hinds lost his life in a sad accident last night. We are heartbroken, startled, and still trying to understand the loss of this creative powerhouse with whom we’ve experienced so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brent's loved ones, friends, and supporters. We kindly request that you respect everyone's privacy at this time.

Hinds, who is well-known for his unique guitar approach that combined parts of progressive, Southern rock, and sludge, helped create Mastodon's sound and helped the band become one of the most reputable modern metal bands. He was a major contributor to the band's songwriting, pushing the frontiers of creativity and enthralling audiences all over the world. His talents went far beyond riffs and solos.

In addition to being a great guitarist, Hinds was also a passionate performer and a larger-than-life personality, as seen by the outpouring of tributes from musicians, fans, and collaborators throughout the music business. He was characterized by many as an unashamed creative soul who dared to try new things and forge his own way in a genre he helped redefine.

Hinds was well-known for his side projects and collaborations in addition to his work with Mastodon. He was always experimenting with new sounds and broadening his creative horizons. Friends and family adored him off-stage because of his genuineness, warmth, and sense of humor.

For the heavy metal community, Atlanta's music scene, and fans worldwide who connected and found inspiration in his work, his demise represents a huge loss.

Because to his innovative music, electrifying live performances, and lasting impact on heavy metal history, Brent Hinds will always be remembered.