Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds dies in motorcycle accident at 51

Atlanta: Brent Hinds, guitarist and co-founder of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.

The band confirmed the news on Instagram, saying they were in “a state of unfathomable sadness and grief” over the loss of their bandmate. “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 music that touched the hearts of so many,” the statement read.

Mastodon also asked for privacy for Hinds’ family, friends, and fans during this time.

According to Atlanta Police, the accident occurred on August 20 when Hinds’ Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with a BMW SUV. Police said the SUV’s driver failed to yield while turning left but remained at the scene. The crash is still under investigation.

Tributes have since poured in from fans and fellow artists. Actor Norman Reedus expressed his shock on social media, recalling his recent conversation with Hinds. “Man. Come on. We just spoke! Loved this guy,” Reedus wrote, describing him as “one of a kind.”

He also shared a photo of them together in New Orleans, where they once got matching tattoos. Reedus urged drivers to be more cautious, pleading: “Please, for the love of god, watch out for motorcycles.”

Hinds was a central figure in Mastodon, which he co-founded in 2000. Known for his distinctive guitar style and stage presence, he helped shape the band’s sound across multiple acclaimed albums. In 2017, Mastodon won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance for Sultan’s Curse.

Although Hinds left the band in March this year, he remained a towering influence on their legacy. His death marks a profound loss for the global metal community.