Atlanta News Affiliate Airs Report on Locals’ Reaction to Brent Hinds’ Death
When news broke yesterday about ex-Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds’ untimely death in a motorcycle accident at age 51, the first source most of us in the metal media relied upon was Atlanta News First. Their account of what happened fueled the rest of the day’s coverage, which goes to show the importance of local news in today’s day and age.
That same news organization has shared a news report regarding the impact Hinds’ passing has had on the local Atlanta music and bar scene. As usual, it’s sad to hear how he will be missed, but it’s also good to hear just how beloved the embattled guitarist was in his community.
According to police, Hinds was riding his motorcycle traveling west along Boulevard just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night when he was struck by an SUV. Officials said the driver of the SUV failed to yield while attempting to make a left-handed turn, which caused the fatal collision. When first responders arrived at the scene, Hinds was found unresponsive and was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene by medical officials.
In the wake of his death, musicians of all stripes have come out sharing their memories of working with, partying with, or simply just interacting with Hinds. For example, Rennie Jaffe, of Relapse Records, posted a heartfelt message about Hinds and Mastodon’s time with their former record label.
“The records Mastodon released with Relapse are all-time classics across any genre, and they would not sound the way they sound without Brent. His larger-than-life personality was eclipsed only by his monstrous musicianship.”
As for his former bandmates, the surviving members of Mastodon expressed their deeply felt sorrow over the situation.
“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 and his former bandmates had become estranged after he was kicked out of the group back in March. Recent weeks saw Hinds bashing the rest of Mastodon, while the other side largely remained silent.
We at MetalSucks wish to offer our deepest condolences to Hinds’ loved ones and everyone else impacted by this loss.
