In a somber and powerful display of community, friends, family, and fans of late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds gathered in his hometown of Atlanta on Sunday, August 31, for a memorial “march.” The event, which traced a path from the iconic Elmyr dive bar to the legendary Star Bar, served as a public tribute to the artist who was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash late last month.
The procession was a testament to Hinds‘ enduring impact on the Atlanta music scene. The Star Bar and Elmyr are deeply woven into the city’s underground and punk rock identity, and the choice of these venues as the start and end points for the walk was a poignant nod to the community that embraced Hinds and his creative spirit.
Among the crowd were Hinds’ longtime Mastodon bandmates, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor. Their presence was a powerful symbol of brotherhood, particularly in the wake of the public falling-out that had preceded Hinds’ death. Dailor had previously delivered a moving eulogy for Hinds at a concert in Alaska, stating that despite their “ups and downs,” they were “brothers to the end.” The memorial walk provided another opportunity for the band to publicly mourn and celebrate the life of their former colleague alongside the fans who were equally devastated.
The gathering took place just days after new details emerged regarding the August 20 crash. An Atlanta Police Department incident report and 911 calls provided a more complex account of the event, with conflicting witness reports about the traffic light at the intersection where Hinds’ motorcycle collided with an SUV. The memorial march, however, offered an escape from the tragic details, allowing those who loved Hinds to focus on his life and legacy as they walked together through the streets of the city he called home.
