Mastodon's former guitarist Brent Hinds, dies at 51 in Atlanta motorcycle crash

Brent Hinds, former guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mastodon, passed away in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta at the age of 51. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that he had died, which shocked the entire music world and shattered Mastodon's devoted fans across the globe.

William Brent Hinds tragically passed away Wednesday night in a collision while riding a Harley Davidson, as a driver of a BMW SUV neglected to yield while executing a turn at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard, according to law enforcement, reported Jam Base.

The 51-year-old was primarily recognized for his tenure with the Atlanta-based band Mastodon, which he co-founded in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor, as per a report by Atlanta News First.


In March, Billboard reported that the band announced their "mutual decision to part ways" with Hinds. Earlier this month, Hinds stated that he was expelled.


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How did Brent Hinds shape Mastodon’s music?

William Brent Hinds was born on January 16, 1974, in Helena, Alabama. He learned how to play the banjo when he was a child, and later used those finger-picking skills on the electric guitar. This unusual background gave him a unique voice and a picking style that combined different styles, which became a key part of Mastodon's sound.

Brent Hinds moved to Atlanta in 2000 and joined forces with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor to form Mastodon. They formed a progressive metal band that was unlike any other by combining technical skill with loud riffs. Hinds was the band's main guitarist and one of its main singers. He sang on songs like "Workhorse," "Blasteroid," and "Stargasm."

What were Mastodon's biggest successes with Hinds?

Mastodon put out eight studio albums over the course of more than twenty years. Their first album, Remission, came out in 2002, and their last album, Hushed and Grim, came out in 2021. The band's constant touring and unique sound helped them gain a loyal fan base all over the world.

Their biggest success was winning a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2018 for the song "Sultan's Curse," which was the first song on their 2017 album Emperor of Sand. This recognition made Mastodon one of the most important bands in modern heavy metal for fans.

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FAQs

Who was Brent Hinds?
He was the co-founder and lead guitarist of Mastodon, a band known for mixing banjo techniques with heavy metal guitar playing.

What happened to Brent Hinds?
He died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta when a BMW SUV didn't give way at an intersection.