It’s hard to believe, but Brent Hinds, formerly a creative force in Mastodon, died one year ago today. He was just 51. He died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta when a motorist did not yield to Hinds, who was on his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Although the split with the band under acrimonius circumstances earlier in 2025, Hind co-founded the band in 2000 and appeared on all eight of their albums, won a Grammy awards, and made a huge impact, especially with his composing and lead guitar playing on albums such as the classic debut Remission, Leviathan (both Relapse Records), Blood Mountain, Crack The Skye and The Hunter (2011) for Reprise Records. In the wake of his death, there have been countless tributes to “Dirty B,” a public memorial at the intersection where he died, murals all over Atlanta celebrating his life and music, and a public walk to memorialize him. Our own Wil Cifer also wrote a tribute to Brent which you can read here. RIP.   

 

 

On its official Instagram account, the band wrote the following:

“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.”

See Mastodon’s Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram

Spin some Mastodon music today for Brent and enjoy these photos of Brent through the years of Ghost Cult!