24/08/2025
PASSING OF BRENT HINDS, FORMER MASTODON GUITARIST
Date of passing: On August 20, 2025, William Brent Hinds the co-founder, lead guitarist, and co-vocalist of Mastodon died in a motorcycle collision in Atlanta. Authorities say his Harley-Davidson was struck by an SUV that failed to yield at an intersection; he was pronounced dead at the scene at age 51 .
Legacy and reaction: Hinds was instrumental in shaping Mastodon’s sound across eight studio albums from Remission (2002) to Hushed and Grim (2021) and helped the band win a Grammy for Emperor of Sand . Despite a fraught parting earlier in 2025 Hinds later said he had been “kicked out,” and described his former bandmates negatively the news prompted widespread mourning .
Tributes: Mastodon themselves paid homage to Hinds during their first show since his passing, performing a heartfelt tribute. Drummer Brann Dailor, visibly moved, reflected on their 25-year bond, calling him “one of the most creative, beautiful people that we’ve ever come across,” and reaffirmed their love and respect despite past conflicts . Across the music world from Queens of the Stone Age to Alice in Chains and Machine Head tributes flowed in honoring his talent and spirit . Mastodon Mastodon State Historic Site
