Mastodon guitarist and founding member Brent Hinds has passed away at age 51. His official obituary was published by Dignity Memorial.
The obituary provides details about Hinds’ life, musical achievements, and personal interests beyond his acclaimed metal career.
“William Brent Hinds, acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of pioneering metal band Mastodon, passed away on August 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 51,” the obituary read.
The statement highlighted his significant contributions to music and diverse creative pursuits.
“Brent’s work with Mastodon earned critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2018. He also led and contributed to numerous side projects, including Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, Legend of the Seagullmen, and Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, showcasing his genre-defying creativity,” it continued.
The obituary also detailed Hinds’ personality and interests outside of music.
“Beyond music, Brent had a wide range of hobbies and interests that reflected his free-spirited, creative, and unconventional personality. A self-described ‘wildling,’ Brent was a motorcycle enthusiast, outdoorsman, and artist. His hobbies included antique vehicles, hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing, golf, drawing and painting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.”
“Like his music, Brent was complex, passionate, and fiercely original. Known for his rebellious streak and raw honesty, Brent was both unpredictable and deeply loyal. He was eccentric, funny, and full of energy, with a generous heart beneath the chaos. He lived life on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy as unforgettable as the music he created.”
The obituary concluded with information about memorial arrangements and charitable donations.
“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alabama School of Fine Arts. A celebration of life will be held in Atlanta at a later date.”
Hinds’ death marks the end of an era for one of metal’s most innovative bands. The band had maintained its original lineup for over two decades.
Q94.5 All Rock reported that Hinds was a founding member of Mastodon when the band formed in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. The band’s lineup remained unchanged for 25 years, releasing acclaimed albums such as Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack the Skye.
However, AARP noted that Hinds announced his departure from Mastodon in March 2025, citing a mutual decision. Comments on social media hinted at a rocky relationship with bandmates. This departure came just months before his tragic death.
The circumstances surrounding Hinds’ death were particularly tragic given his passion for motorcycles. Q94.5 All Rock revealed that Hinds died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was riding his Harley Davidson and was struck by a BMW SUV that failed to yield while making a turn, Fulton County reports confirmed.
Throughout his career, Hinds faced numerous challenges that shaped his resilient character. Louder Sound documented that in 2007, following a violent altercation, he slipped into a coma for three days and recovered with lingering vertigo. During this time, he channeled his energy into creative activities like woodcarving and tattooing. These experiences underscored his tough, restless character that fueled both his music and life.
His guitar virtuosity was widely recognized in the metal community. Wikipedia records show that Brent Hinds won multiple awards including the Metal Hammer Golden Gods award for Best Shredder with bandmate Bill Kelliher in 2007. This recognition reflected his guitar skills and contribution to heavy music.
