Mastodon Founding Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies at 51

Formed in 2000, Mastodon’s original lineup of Hinds, bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor remained unchanged until this year. Hinds’ playing, often powered by Gibson guitars and Orange amplifiers, earned him recognition as one of the most potent, powerful guitarists in modern metal. Hinds also played with the bands Fiend Without a Face, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, Legend of the Seagullmen, and West End Motel.

Hinds left Mastodon in March this year on what appeared to be amicable terms, but his exit seems to have been more acrimonious than initially reported. In the past few weeks, a series of social media posts from the guitarist criticized his former bandmates and suggested that he was kicked out of the band.This morning, fans and peers began leaving messages of love and remembrance on Hinds’ latest Instagram post, uploaded yesterday.