Brent Hinds, Mastodon Guitarist, Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Brent Hinds, the former guitarist for the heavy metal band Mastodon, died after a motorcycle crash in Atlanta on Aug. 20, the band confirmed. He was 51.

The music world is mourning one of their own. 

Brent Hinds, best known as a founding member and the former guitarist for the heavy metal band Mastodon, died on Aug. 20, the band confirmed. He was 51. 

Hinds’ cause of death was a motorcycle accident. The guitarist was riding his Harley Davidson bike in Atlanta the night of Aug. 20 when he collided with a BMW SUV, the Atlanta Police Department said in an Aug. 21 statement. The driver of the BMW “failed to yield while turning left” but remained at the scene.

An investigation is still ongoing, according to police.

Following the tragic news, the remaining members of Mastodon had a heartfelt message for Hinds—who left Mastodon in Marchsaying they were “in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief.” 

“We are heartbroken, shocked,” the band wrote on Instagram Aug. 21. “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 added, “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.”

Hinds’ loved ones also posted about his untimely passing, writing on Instagram Aug. 21, “We are devastated to announce our beloved Brent while riding his motorcycle was struck by a driver who failed to yield last night in Atlanta, he did not survive. Please allow us time to grieve.”

Several of Brent’s friends and contemporaries also paid tribute to him as well, including actor Norman Reedus

“Man. Come on. We just spoke! Loved this guy,” the Walking Dead alum shared to Instagram Aug. 21, alongside a photo of him with the late rocker. “One of a kind. I have a lot of photos of us this is when we got matching lemmy tattoos in New Orleans the day he died. Worst news today.”

Norman also included a plea to those on the road, asking, “People driving cars please for the love of god watch out for fkn motorcycles! Please.”