The annual ‘Hellfest Open Air‘ festival in Clisson, France has a long history of honoring not only it’s past performers, but also late metal and rock luminaries. Earlier this week, a new statue celebrating pioneering heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne was officially unveiled on the festival grounds. As it so happens, the Prince Of Darkness isn’t the only fallen metal luminary to newly be honored this year.
An ornate stained glass-styled tribute to former Mastodon vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds is also on display this year, and was showcased recently by the aforementioned band’s guitarist Bill Kelliher. Known as a free spirited rock n’ roller to the end, Hinds‘ life was tragically cut short in an August 20th, 2025 motorcycle accident. He was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.
In addition to decades spent playing with Mastodon, Hinds also performed in Fiend Without A Face, West End Motel, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra and more. While Mastodon and Hinds parted ways in a bitter split months ahead of his passing, the group recently paid tribute to him in song with the release of their newest single “Your Ghost Again“.
