On August 20th, Brent Hinds passed away after reportedly being struck by an SUV while riding his motorcycle two miles outside of downtown Atlanta. Now, it is being announced that a “celebration of life” for the former Mastodon guitarist will take place in Atlanta at a later date, with no further details given.
This update comes from Hinds’ official obituary, which reads:
“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.
“Born on January 16, 1974, in Birmingham, Alabama, Brent’s passion for music began early. At age 12, he asked his parents for a guitar and began private lessons, quickly immersing himself in the craft. In junior high, he formed his first band, Kil Darling, and performed throughout the Birmingham area. His talent and dedication led him to the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where he studied music and learned to appreciate a wide range of styles.
“After graduating from Pelham High School in 1992, Brent moved to Atlanta to pursue his music career. While working as a carpenter’s apprentice, he became a fixture in the local music scene. It was there he met Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor, forming the band Mastodon that he helped lead for a quarter century.
“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.
“Brent was a true original, known for blending country, bluegrass, and psychedelia into metal. His emotional playing and signature picking technique—shaped by his early years of playing banjo—inspired countless musicians and fans. His work on albums like Leviathan, Crack the Skye, and The Hunter is considered groundbreaking, with many calling him one of the most creative guitarists of his generation.
“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.
“Brent is survived by his mother, Dean Snyder Campbell; father, Billy Hinds; stepmother Heide Hinds; stepsister, Traci Perry; nephew, Walker Hinds; niece, Lily Hinds; uncle, Donnie Snyder; aunt, Linda Kay Hinds Duke; and many cousins, extended family, friends, and fans. He was preceded in death by his brother Bradley Ray Hinds, and grandmothers A.B. Snyder and Cornelia G. Hinds.
“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.”
