Earlier this year, heavy metal veterans Mastodon made headlines when they announced they were parting ways with longtime guitarist Brent Hinds. The band thanked Hinds for his tenure, but the guitarist made it known that the split was less than amicable responding: “I wont miss being in a sh*t band with horrible humans”.
Tragically, Atlanta News First has reported that Hinds was killed in a collision with a car while riding his motorcycle near Atlanta on Wednesday night. He was 51 years old. The Atlanta Police Department released an incident report stating (as transcribed by Blabbermouth): “Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male who was involved in the collision. The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision. Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased. The other driver involved, a female who occupied a BMW SUV remained on scene. The APD Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine the circumstances.
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.” Hinds co-founded Mastodon and played with the group from 1991 until this year.
Earlier this month he said of the band in a social media rant: “They kicked me out … “F*ck these guys… only I know who they really are… they are the biggest fans of them selves… I’ve never seen anyone in my life look in the mirror more than Troy Sanders. He thinks he’s God’s gift to anything. I’ve never met three people that were so full of themselves. It’s disgusting.”
Despite the obvious tension from Hinds, the band issued a statement shortly after the news became public saying: “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.”
