Brent Hinds, the former singer-guitarist for the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta aged 51.

Bill Hinds, who departed from the band Mastodon in March 2025 after a 25-year tenure, tragically passed away on Wednesday night. His Harley-Davidson motorcycle crashed with a BMW SUV at approximately 11:35 pm, as reported by Atlanta News First.

The Atlanta Police Department’s report reveals that the SUV driver failed to yield while turning, resulting in the collision that left Hinds ‘unresponsive’ at the scene. He was subsequently declared dead by medical responders.

‘The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased’ the report states.

The female driver of the BMW SUV stayed at the crash site. The Accident Investigations Unit of the APD arrived to examine and establish the details surrounding the incident.

‘Preliminary investigation indicates the male was traveling West on Boulevard. The female operating the BMW SUV failed to yield while turning left and collided into the male victim who was operating the Harley-Davidson. The investigation remains active at this time.’

Brent Hinds, the former singer-guitarist for the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta aged 51 – pictured 2017

Hinds, who left Mastodon after 25 years in March 2025, was killed on Wednesday when his Harley-Davidson collided with a BMW SUV around 11.35pm per Atlanta News First – pictured L with bandmates Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, Bill Kelliher in 2006

The band paid an emotional tribute to Hinds in an Instagram statement

The band paid an emotional tribute to Hinds in an Instagram statement which read: ‘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.’

Hinds was also lauded by rock royalty as Guns ‘N Roses icon Slash shared a photo of with the caption ‘RIP Brent Hinds.’

Alice In Chains icon William DuVall wrote: ‘This has knocked the wind out of me. RIP to the great Brent Hinds.’

Queens of the Stone Age wrote: ‘Rest in Peace Brent Hinds, With love & respect. See you on the other side old friend.’

Mastodon had three albums rise into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart and two that topped the Rock Album chart – Emperor of Sand in 2017 and Once More ´round the Sun in 2014.

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor. 

Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor – pictured 2006

Mastodon – which forged ferocious metal, progressive wizardry and sludge rock tendencies – earned six Grammy Award nominations, winning one in 2017 for best metal performance for Sultan’s Curse from the album Emperor of Sand – pictured 2015

Hinds left the band in March 2025. No reason for the departure was given. The band said they had ‘mutually decided to part ways,’ but comments made by Hinds on Instagram indicated a rocky relationship with the members of his former band – pictured 2015

Music icon Slash paid tribute to Hinds

Queens of the Stone Age lauded the rocker in their tribute

Alice In Chains icon William DuVall wrote: ‘This has knocked the wind out of me. RIP to the great Brent Hinds’

DuVall shared a sweet snap of the pair together 

Mastodon´s third studio album, 2006´s Blood Mountain, was their first to reach the Top 40, peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard 200.

Hinds left the band in March 2025. No reason for the departure was given. The band said they had ‘mutually decided to part ways,’ but comments made by Hinds on Instagram indicated a rocky relationship with the members of his former band.

‘We´re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we´ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors,’ the band said at the time.

Mastodon earned six Grammy Award nominations, winning one in 2017 for best metal performance for Sultan’s Curse from the album Emperor of Sand.

Rolling Stone magazine listed Mastodon’s 2011 album The Hunter among its best off the year, saying the band had ‘streamlined their molten thrash into a taut thwump that doesn´t pull back one bit on their natural complexity of innate weirdness.’

Hinds was due to tour Europe later this year with Fiend Without a Face, a band that was once a side project during his years with Mastodon.

He wed Raisa Moreno in 2017. It was reported the pair had split in 2023 but the pair never confirmed the separation.