Former Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies in Atlanta Motorcycle Crash

Brent Hinds, the founding guitarist and former singer of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta at age 51. The accident occurred when a BMW SUV failed to yield while turning left and collided with Hinds' Harley-Davidson, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Hinds had left Mastodon earlier in March 2025 after 25 years with the band, which had released eight studio albums and earned critical acclaim. Despite reports that his departure was not amicable, Mastodon expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to Hinds as a creative force whose music touched many fans. Hinds was a key figure in the metal community, co-founding the band in 2000 and contributing to multiple top-charting albums. Following his split from Mastodon, he continued performing, touring Europe with Marcus King and playing shows in Atlanta.