Brent Hinds, the former lead guitarist for Mastodon, was killed on Wednesday, August 20, when his Harley-Davidson motorcycle collided with a car in Atlanta at around 11:35 p.m.
Police say Hinds was riding his motorcycle when the driver of a BMW SUV failed to yield while making a turn at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard.
Hinds was 51.
Hinds was known for his time as electric guitarist with Mastodon, the Atlanta-based metal act he co-founded in 2000 with guitarist Bill Kelliher, bass guitarist Troy Sanders and drummer Brann Dailor.
In an Instagram post, the band said it is in a “state of unfathomable sadness and grief.”
“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,” the band said. “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.”
Hinds left the group abruptly this past March. His departure was announced on the band's social channels on March 7. “Friends and fans, after 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” read the band's official statement, though Hinds' recent social media posts indicated their split was acrimonious.
Hinds’ time in the band wasn't been without its troubles. He suffered a broken nose and a brain hemorrhage following a fight with System of a Down bass player Shavo Odadjian and musician William Hudson at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas, where the band had performed.
His breakup with the group was not explained, but Kelliher indicated at the time that Hinds had other interests.
“Like a marriage, sometimes people grow apart, and they get interested in other things,” Kelliher said. “It was time to part ways.
"We wish nothing but the best for Brent in his endeavors, chasing his dreams and doing what he likes to do. We look forward to a new chapter of Mastodon.”
This is a developing story.
