Brent Hinds, the former lead guitarist of the acclaimed heavy metal group Mastodon, has died following a motorcycle crash in Atlanta. He was 51.
Police said Hinds died late on Wednesday after his Harley-Davidson collided with a BMW SUV whose driver did not yield while turning. The crash occurred at about 11.35pm, and the Fulton County medical examiner’s office later confirmed his death.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Mastodon said they were in a “state of unfathomable sadness and grief”. The band wrote: “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.”
Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor. He parted ways with the band earlier this year, with reports of a mutual decision, though Hinds later claimed he was forced out.
Mastodon released their debut album, Remission, in 2002, and their follow-up, Leviathan, brought them mainstream recognition in heavy metal. Hinds described the band as more classic rock than metal, favouring a “heavy, psychedelic” sound.
Hinds and his former bandmates made a brief appearance on the HBO series Game of Thrones in its fifth season, playing wildlings.
