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:
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 Åkerfeldt, August 21, 2025"
FROM MARZI MONTAZERI:
I
can’t believe I’m writing this. I’m beyond saddened right now. The
genuine love I received and the friendship we had and all the music we
shared RIP @bhinds You were truly
one of my best friends and we almost started our band but you had to go
back home. Since Darrell passed I never had another bond till I met
Brent in Montreal. We instantly hit it off and all of our adventures
from Moscow to Atlanta were epic for that’s what he was. A genuine
hardworking music lover of the highest level My condolences to his
family and friends. He was the definition of authenticity. One of the
finest American rock guitarist of his time. Incredibly versatile. I will
miss you and will always have you in my heart. 
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
@mastodonFROM GENE HOGLAN:
My and our hearts are with our entire Mastodon family.
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: FROM JASON BITTNER (SHADOWS FALL):
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.
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.
RIP Brent
– Weslie
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:
Rest In Power Brent.
FROM MATT HEAFY (TRIVIUM):
Rest in power to Brent Hinds.
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:
R.I.P. BRENT HINDS
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.
FROM JAY WEINBERG (FORMERLY OF SLIPKNOT): :
Kind, wild, and one of the most unique people any of us will ever know: Brent Hinds was a true one-of-a-kind. The art and music he and his bandmates created together captured the imaginations of so many — myself included — and it’s heartbreaking that he’s no longer with us. My love and deepest sympathies to @mastodonrocks, and his friends and family.
Love you Brent. Gonna miss you
FROM BEN WEINMAN (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN): :
"Brent
was born a rockstar. Loved not just for his talent, but for being a
wild, untamable free spirit, bigger than life itself,"
FROM RANDY BLYTHE (LAMB OF GOD):
"For the last few days Hurricane Erin traveled up the coast,
bringing huge waves to our beaches- this is what us East Coast surfers
wait all year for. Thursday morning I paddled out with some friends down
in NC to ride some monsters. The sets were breaking well overhead,
& I had that excited, nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach that
comes when you head out into big swell to surf waves of consequence. I
took a few on the head getting out, then got utterly destroyed dropping
into a gigantic bomb, & finally I managed to catch 3 or 4 big waves
that pushed the edges of my limited skill level. I got out of the water
with a huge smile on my face, overjoyed to be alive in that moment, so
very happy to be a 54 year old man who can still do such things. An hour
later, I got the news that Brent Hinds had died in a motorcycle accident. He was 51, just 3 years younger than me.
"In many ways, Brent was like a hurricane — a wild & uncontrollable force well known for wreaking havoc wherever he touched down. Like a hurricane, Brent could be destructive at times. But also just like a hurricane, he produced rare things of pure beauty; these massive, gorgeous, waves of sound that provided people so much joy. Anyone who ever met him has a Brent story, because he was uncompromisingly himself, with a take it or leave it attitude. I knew & traveled the world with him on tour for over 20 years, & I did some pretty insane things with him in the early days. I have countless Brent stories- but none of those are really important now, though.
"I took many photos of Brent over the years- this is the last portrait of him I ever shot. Every portrait I have of him shows a devilish twinkle to his eyes, & this one is no different. I found it the day I learned he died, but didn't feel like posting it, or really saying anything-sometimes it is better to be still & quiet. Instead I went into the sea, & rode waves, & heard various music he had made in my head. Sunset was beautiful that day, & I watched it from a boat in the sea. Even in a boat, the swell was big beneath to make me a little nervous- Brent would have enjoyed that ride, as he liked such things.
"Rest in peace, Brent- you were a TRUE rock n' roll wild man. Thanks for the tunes, the crazy times, & the many, many laughs. You will be missed.
"'Remember this- all rivers run to the sea...'"
FROM BILL KELLIHER (MASTODON):
"It's been hard to get a grip on my emotions this week.
"We had our good and bad times just like in any relationship. All that we accomplished after that first fistfight in the van 25 years ago.
"I didn't think you’d be taken from us like this, absolute loss of a true one of a kind guitar wizard extraordinaire.
"Keeping up with you taught me a lot. You were a brother, we were a family, you were a wild man not to be tamed, you could f*ck up bowling ball with a feather.
"You weren't perfect but you were always DIRTY-B!! Your vagabond/gypsy/wild child lives on through your music, I will miss your crazy ass Manimal".
FROM RAISA MORENO (BRENT HINDS EX WIFE):
Brent was the most fascinating and complex person I have ever met, a true free spirit, a creative force, a wild card, and one of the kindest, most genuine, and most generous souls. He taught me to say yes to life, to adventures, to love, and to risk. I left the world I knew to live this love, and I’m grateful I did.
For almost ten years, he was my constant. I never went more than three days without talking to Brent and never spent a day without thinking of him, talking about him, or loving him. He was my best friend, my family, my everything. We shared a life that was intense, beautiful, and unforgettable. He gave me wings and I gave him ground. We promised never to be enemies and to always be part of each other’s lives, and we kept that promise.
I will miss his squinty-eyed smile, his laugh, his unique voice, the silly texts and stupid memes he sent all day, even the moments when he drove me crazy. As he would say, “anything worth having is worth suffering for.” How lucky I was to share so many years with him.
I am eternally grateful for so many memories, every lesson, and so many amazing moments. Brent changed me and showed me a new way to see the world.
I hope you and Dingus are being troublemakers together in that great big adventure beyond.
Thank you for the love, the art, the memories, and the impact you left behind. Thank you for the life you gave me. I will love you eternally, Brentinho. 
MORE BRENT HINDS TRIBUTES LATER
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ R.I.P. BRENT HINDS