Brent Hinds of Mastodon fame killed in Atlanta motorcycle crash
The former guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mastodon has been killed in a motorcycle crash.
The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed that Brent Hinds, the former guitarist and co-founder of the band Mastodon, has been killed following a motorcycle crash.
The report, made on Wednesday (August 20), states that Hinds was riding his Harley-Davidson. It goes on to state that he collided with a car turning left that ‘failed to yield’ to the oncoming traffic - something in the UK that would be referred to as a ‘SMIDSY’. Hinds was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
Hinds had only left the Mastodon fold in March this year, and like many members of the American rock music scene, he was a very avid biker. He was often pictured riding a classic Harley-Davidson Street Glide around Atlanta, and many pictures showing him playing with the band show him wearing motorcycle-related t-shirts while on stage.
His former bandmates took to social media to respond to the news.
“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.”
Formed in Atlanta in 2000, Mastodon quickly carved a name for themselves as one of metal’s most inventive bands, blending sludge, progressive, and hard rock into a sound all their own. Their debut, Remission (2002), set the tone with crushing riffs, while Leviathan (2004), a concept album inspired by Moby-Dick, brought them critical acclaim and Metal Hammer’s Album of the Year.
They pushed further into progressive territory with Blood Mountain (2006), which earned a Grammy nomination, and Crack the Skye (2009), often hailed as their masterpiece, weaving themes of astral travel and Rasputin into sprawling, psychedelic metal.
The 2010s saw Mastodon expand their audience. The Hunter (2011) featured more accessible hooks, followed by Once More ’Round the Sun (2014) and Emperor of Sand (2017). The latter won them the Grammy for Best Metal Performance with “Sultan’s Curse” and was nominated for Best Rock Album.
In 2021, Mastodon released Hushed and Grim, a double album exploring grief and mortality after the death of their longtime manager Nick John, showcasing their most expansive and emotional work yet.
From sweaty clubs to Grammy stages, Mastodon remained a genre-defying force.
All at Visordown send their best wishes to Brent’s family, friends and bandmates.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
