Mastodon Honors Brent Hinds in Emotional First Alaska Show

The heartfelt tribute to Brent Hinds marked Mastodon’s debut performance in Alaska, reflecting on the legacy of the co-founder and guitarist.

When Mastodon stepped onto the stage for their very first show in Alaska on August 22, the atmosphere was thick with emotion. Just a day earlier, the band had lost Brent Hinds—their charismatic co-founder and guitar player of 25 years—in a tragic motorcycle accident in Atlanta. This night wasn’t just another performance; it was a moving farewell to a brother and creative force.

The band on stage at the Alaska State Fair, channeling their grief into a powerful tribute.

A Brother Lost, A Legacy Honored

Drummer Brann Dailor took a moment to address the crowd, his voice laden with grief and admiration. “We lost somebody very special to us yesterday. Brent Hinds. 25 years with us as our guitar player,” he reflected candidly. “One of the most creative, beautiful people that we’ve ever come across in this world tragically left us. Very, very unfortunate. We loved him so so so very much.”

It’s a rare thing when a band can express such vulnerability in front of thousands, and Mastodon did just that, reminding fans that their journey with Brent was more than just music—it was family. Dailor acknowledged the ups and downs of a 25-year relationship, saying, “It’s not always perfect. It’s not always amazing. But we were brothers to the end and we really loved each other. We made a lot a lot of very beautiful music together.”

The Music Lives On

Brann’s tribute didn’t stop there. He spoke to the enduring power of the music Brent helped create. “I think that that’s going to stand the test of time, evidenced by you people here tonight,” he said, as the crowd soaked in the weight of those words.

Mastodon’s story is one of raw grit and brotherhood: from forming the band and traveling the world together, to sharing cramped vans and wild nights "laying our heads down on beds of fuckin’ kitty litter," Dailor painted a vivid picture of life on the road with Brent. “The love that we shared and the beauty, all the audiences that we played for, all the stages we stepped on. We’re just at a loss for words.”

Despite the heartbreak, the band expressed gratitude to their audience for helping them get through the show. “You guys made it okay for us to come by the stage and do this tonight,” Dailor concluded with a mix of sorrow and appreciation.

Looking Ahead: Mastodon’s Upcoming Shows

Mastodon’s remaining gigs this year will be scarce but significant. Mark your calendars for September 26, when they’ll appear at the Levitation festival in Austin, followed by a notable November 15 show in New Orleans, sharing the stage with the reunited Acid Bath and Power Trip. Fans can expect the band to keep Brent’s spirit alive through their powerful performances.

• How long was Brent Hinds a member of Mastodon?
  Brent Hinds was a founding member and guitarist for Mastodon for 25 years.
• What happened to Brent Hinds?
  Brent tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta in August 2025.
• Where was Mastodon’s first Alaska show held?
  Their first show in Alaska took place at the Alaska State Fair.
• Will Mastodon continue to perform Brent Hinds’ music?
  Yes, the band has expressed that they will continue to play the beautiful music Brent helped create.
• What are Mastodon’s next scheduled performances?
  They will play at the Levitation festival in Austin on September 26 and in New Orleans on November 15.

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