
BRENT HINDS, former guitarist of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. based alternative hard rock warriors MASTODON died in a motorcycle accident 8/20/2025 at 51.
In March of 2025, MASTODON announced they have mutually parted ways with guitarist BRENT HINDS.
MASTODON unleashed "EMPEROR OF SAND", 3/31/2017 via REPRISE RECORDS.
FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET and ATLANTA NEWS FIRST:
According to Atlanta News First, former MASTODON guitarist Brent Hinds
was killed in a car crash in southeast Atlanta, Georgia Wednesday night
(August 20). He was 51 years old. The Fulton County medical examiner's
office reportedly confirmed his death.
FROM MASTODON:
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.
FROM INTO THE NECROSPHERE:
51 is far too young for anyone to leave this world, but Brent Hinds' legacy will be remembered until the end of time. A modern-day great, not to mention one of most
entertaining and hilarious interviewees I've ever seen on a podcast (not mine sadly).
Rest in peace.
FROM A FLOCK NAMED MURDER: :
This one hurts.
Mastodon was an incredibly pivotal band for us growing up, and everything up to Crack The Skye is still god-tier. Brent Hinds was such an iconic voice
and guitarist, one where you can tell you're listening to him without having to be told. And an incredible talent he was. It's heartbreaking that his story had to end like this, we hoped that at some point the guys would patch things up with him and even if he didn't rejoin the band, they'd at least move on in a better light.
RIP Brent Hinds
FROM OPETH:
"Brent Hinds is gone. An incredible musician. A force of nature. Our friend. My friend. I got the news today from the Mastodon boys as I was having coffee with my
mother and her partner. They’re talking about their plans for the upcoming weekend, but I couldn’t really hear what they were saying, to be honest. I was (and still am) overwhelmed by shock. I reached out to the boys in my band delivering the tragic news and my phone has been buzzing every 10 seconds since. There’s so much to be said about Brent. We’ve spend so much time together with him on the road. I like to think we got to know each other quite well. Brent demanded attention (and got it) every time he stepped into our dressing room or bus, which was quite often, I'd might add. Fred and him would jam backstage. I’d keep an eye on him/them and their usual tour-shenanigans to the point where Brent started calling me ”Dad”, and I was calling him ”Son”.
I have so many memories of him, most of which I can sum up as ”good times”. We often talked about stage nerves. How nervousness can be good, but also, if bad, how it can hinder your performance. The latter sensation manifested itself as a fictional person: ”Peter”. Brent would go: ”Peter was on stage tonight, and that fucker sucks ass” when he had a bad show.
It’s too soon to grieve I suppose, this hasn’t sunk in at all. I only just heard about this tragedy 5 hours ago. It’s beyond devastating, and judging from what’s being said on our private Opeth group-chat I know I can speak for the whole band.
The ”Dad-Son” thing stuck over the years. I last saw Brent when he came to our show in Atlanta (October 22, 2024). He walks in and goes ”What’s up Pops?”. It’s a very, very bright memory but it makes me numb with sadness right now, thinking about it.
We’d like to offer our warmest and most loving condolences to his family and friends, colleagues, fans, and of course to the whole Mastodon inner circle. The incredible band that was instrumental for making us and the world aware of the phenomenon that is Brent Hinds. Note that I can’t write about him in past tense just yet. He still ”is”.
I’ve included a photo of myself and Brent from our last tour together. I fail to remember where it was taken, but I remember we're singing along to Van Halen’s ”5150”. Right there, is exactly how I will remember him. Always.
Brent Hinds, rest in peace.
Love from your friends in Opeth
Mikael Γ
kerfeldt, August 21, 2025"
FROM DARKEST HOUR:
We
will miss you Brent, all the wild nights, pick up truck rides,
backstage guitar / drinking lessons…you made us all so happy whenever
you were around, we will forever remember your wonderful chaotic energy… RIP to one of the realest ones to ever do it.
@mastodon
FROM GENE HOGLAN:
My and our hearts are with our entire Mastodon family.
Rest, and be at peace my friend…

FROM LENG T'CHE:
This
is horrible. Whatever his personal troubles the man was a force of
nature on stage. I vividly remember being absolutely blown away when
they first toured for "Remission".
Lightning in a bottle, that whole band. Everyone was just in awe. Then
to get killed in a traffic accident... so sad. RIP Brent
FROM MOTHS:
It’s safe to say that without Mastodon, there wouldn’t be any MOTHS.
I first heard of them when they came to Puerto Rico supporting Metallica back in 2010. After that show, I dove into their discography and got completely hooked on Crack the Skye. It was such a fresh sound to me, catchy riffs, unforgettable vocal hooks, and just overall incredible music. That record made me want to start this band.
I’ve jammed countless songs where
Brent Hinds was the centerpiece. I’ve sung “Stargasm” with my best friends more times than I can count. “Oblivion” will always be my favorite track. And that’s not even mentioning all the brilliance in their earlier work.
Just wanted to pay respect to one of the men who got me obsessed with music in the first place. Although the band continues, his contributions and impact are absolutely invaluable.
Sending a big hug to all the Atlanta family, this one hits close to home.
FROM JASON BITTNER (SHADOWS FALL):
RIP Brent………there will never be another one like you!!!! So glad we got to spend lot of time around the world together!!
FROM GORGUTS:
We
are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Brent Hinds. As a
visionary artist and a driving creative force within the heavy rock
community, his contributions have
left an indelible mark on the music world. His legacy will continue to
inspire generations, and he will be deeply missed. RIP Brent 
FROM SAMMY DUET (GOATWHORE):
Rest easy my friend...
FROM HIGH ON FIRE:
We
are completely shocked and heartbroken by our brother Brent’s passing.
Sending love to all of his family and friends around the world during
this sad time.
FROM HELLFEST OPEN AIR:
FROM MATT HEAFY (TRIVIUM):
Rest in power to Brent Hinds.
We did ozzfest 2005 together initially - and he definitely was one of the earlier heroes of mine/ ours who was TOUGH on us.
Years later when touring together on the Slayer/ Trivium co-headlining tour with Mastodon and Amon Amarth, he sat with me in our dressing room and played on acoustic and sang to me alone, a song that he had written but never played for anyone - after telling me that after all these years; we’ve proven ourselves and that he respected me/ us.
There weren’t many like this man. That’s for sure.
Rest in piece. Rest in power.
FROM ORIGIN:
From John Longstreth:
“Brent was as real as they come. Origin was lucky to meet him and the rest of Mastodon in 1998-99. We were lucky to share the stage with Mastodon
multiple times in the years following. Our paths diverged greatly, but we shared a very special time at Relapse in the end of the 90s and today i feel like that time is slightly fractured with the passing of Brent. Too young, too soon. Whatever he was going through would have passed. Our hearts go out to our old friends in Mastodon and anyone else suffering from this loss today. Rest in Peace”
FROM TOOL:
January 16, 1974 – August 20, 2025
The members of the band wish to convey their deepest sympathy on the tragic and untimely death of former Mastodon guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds. This one hits particularly close to home, as Brent was a not only a fellow musician, that at times shared the stage with the guys as a guest guitarist, but was also a good friend outside the tour venues. With his creative output and
valued friendship, though he has passed onto another plane, rest assured that he will not be forgotten on this one.
FROM SATURNUS:
We would like to express our condolences on the tragic passing of Brent Hinds, who was true magic. Even when our sound may be somehow distant from their concept, we
belong to the same universe, and it is a fact that Mastodon has been a true influence for some of us (Indee uses to check his sound with a part of "Blood and Thunder", what always puts a smile in our faces). Brent's creativity and personality left a mark that won't be erased, and his presence and legacy will always remain present.
R.I.P. Brent Hinds.
FROM SONOM:
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of Brant Hinds, who died following a tragic motorcycle accident. An immensely creative guitarist, he was
one of the most influential musicians in the metal scene in recent years, shaping the style of numerous artists with his unmistakable way of playing in
Mastodon .
His musical legacy will forever remain.
Thanks for all.
Rest in Peace.
FROM CICONIA:
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the untimely passing of Brent Hinds, the visionary musician and former lead guitarist and co-vocalist of Mastodon, whose
artistry profoundly influenced the recording of our second album, Winterize.
RIP

FROM MACHINEHEAD:
We toured with Mastodon somewhere around five times over the last 15 years… sad day. Our deepest condolences to the Hinds family, and the Mastodon camp.
FROM QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE:
Rest in Peace Brent Hinds
With love & respect
See you on the other side old friend
FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO (ESTATE):
:
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Brent Hinds of Mastodon, due to a tragic motorcycle accident. A brilliant guitarist and true metal fan. Here is Brent a few years ago at the Download Festival in the UK, sporting his Dio jacket. Rest in Peace Brent.FROM RELAPSE RECORDS:
"The records MASTODON released with Relapse are all-time classics across any genre, and they would not sound the way they sound without Brent. His larger-than-life personality was eclipsed only by his monstrous musicianship."
FROM STONE SOUR:
We’re
heartbroken to hear about Brent Hinds’ passing. Our love goes out to
his family, Troy, Bill Brann and everyone who was impacted by his
legacy.
FROM CONVERGE:
We
are shocked by the loss of our dear friend Brent Hinds. He was an
enigmatic human being that played by no one’s rules and was one of the
greatest guitarists of our generation.
Knowing him was a privilege. Anyone who ever met him had a story about
it afterwards because he truly was one of a kind. We’ll miss him. We
send love and support to his family, @mastodonrocks, and
@fiend.without.a.face Thank you for the music, the friendship, the
laughs, and the stories Brent. We love you.
MORE BRENT HINDS TRIBUTES LATER
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ R.I.P. BRENT HINDS