William DuVall, frontman of Alice in Chains, has expressed serious reservations about the future of Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, suggesting that the project cannot realistically continue following the death of guitarist Brent Hinds.
In a recent appearance on “The Logan Show,” DuVall reflected on the emotional weight of Hinds’ passing and its impact on the experimental rock supergroup. While stopping short of issuing a definitive statement, DuVall made it clear that, for him, the band’s identity was fundamentally tied to Hinds’ presence.
“Without Brent, I can’t see it personally,” DuVall said (as transcribed by Metal Injection). “That was a huge thing. I never would have closed the door on that idea as long as all three of us were alive. But with Brent gone, it’s really hard for me to imagine.”
Formed as a high-profile collaboration, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra brought together DuVall alongside Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan), drummer Thomas Pridgen (formerly of The Mars Volta), bassist Pete Griffin (Dethklok, Zappa Plays Zappa), and Hinds. The group released its sole album, Broken Lines, in 2016, earning praise for its unpredictable fusion of hard rock, metal, and experimental elements.
Although DuVall acknowledged that the music itself could potentially have a life beyond the original lineup, he voiced uncertainty about continuing under the band’s name. “The songs on that record live on,” he said. “I’m just glad the record exists and the songs exist, and I could see the songs being performed in different capacities. I don’t know about Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. I don’t know about performing under that moniker.”
Looking back, DuVall also expressed regret over the band’s limited time together, particularly their lack of extensive touring. “I wish we could have played more shows. I wish we could have properly toured that record, but that’s water under the bridge now,” he said, adding that Hinds’ death was “a real stab” that made the idea of moving forward especially difficult.
Hinds’ passing has resonated deeply within the Atlanta music community, where he was a longtime fixture. DuVall spoke about attending a memorial gathering known as the “March of Hinds” in Little Five Points, an area closely associated with the late guitarist.
“We kind of just walked from one bar to the other, because that’s what he did,” DuVall recalled, referencing stops such as El Myr and The Star Bar. “It’s tough, because that whole thing really knocked the wind out of me.”
Brent Hinds died at the age of 51 in August 2025 after being killed in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. Reports state that Hinds was riding a Harley-Davidson when a BMW SUV failed to yield while turning at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard. His death was later confirmed by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.
While DuVall has not formally ruled out every possibility, his comments underline the emotional and artistic challenges surrounding any future version of Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. For now, he remains grateful that Broken Lines exists at all — a singular release capturing a collaboration that, by his account, may never be replicated.
