Brent Hinds, Mastodon Co-Founder and Former Guitarist, Passes Away at 51
## Brent Hinds: A Loss to the Music World
It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of Brent Hinds, co-founder of the esteemed heavy metal band Mastodon. Hinds was involved in a tragic accident on Wednesday and was 51 years old when he passed away.
### Incident Details
According to the Atlanta Police Department, the incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. Officers arriving at the scene found an unresponsive male involved in a collision. Reports indicate that Hinds was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle at the time of the accident. Medical personnel pronounced him dead on the scene, and a preliminary investigation found that an SUV driver failed to yield while turning left, resulting in the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.
### Mastodon’s Journey and Hinds’ Departure
Brent Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. Earlier this year, the band announced Hinds’ departure. They expressed their pride for the music they created together, emphasizing their gratitude for the journey they shared. However, Hinds later claimed that his exit wasn’t mutual.
### Mourning a Creative Force
In a heartfelt message on social media, Mastodon expressed profound grief over Hinds’ passing. They acknowledged the deep sadness and shock they felt, highlighting the countless triumphs and music they created over the years. They also asked for privacy during this difficult period, extending their sympathies to Brent’s family, friends, and fans.
### Legacy of Music
Over the past 25 years, Hinds played an integral role in the band’s success. The lineup—comprising Hinds, Sanders, Dailor, and Kelliher—produced eight studio albums. Their work includes iconic releases such as their debut, *Remission* (2002), and *Crack the Skye* (2009), which brought them mainstream recognition. Their most recent album, *Hushed and Grim*, was released in 2021.
### Reflections on Creativity
Brann Dailor once described the band’s early days as a quest for adventure, involving sacrifices that brought them closer together. Hinds himself had shared how his creativity was influenced by his experiences, famously stating that psychedelics had opened new dimensions in his artistic expression.
### Awards and Achievements
Mastodon’s impact on the metal scene did not go unnoticed; they earned their first Grammy in 2018 for Best Metal Performance with *Sultan’s Curse*, accumulating six nominations in total, including Best Rock Album for *Emperor of Sand* in 2017.
### Final Recordings
Last September, Hinds collaborated with Lamb of God on the single *Floods of Triton*, marking his last recorded work with Mastodon.
As we reflect on Brent Hinds’ contributions to music, how do you remember him? Share your thoughts or favorite Mastodon tracks.
