Mastodon have commented on the recent departure of founding guitarist Brent Hinds – see what they had to say below.
Late last week, founding guitarist Brent Hinds and Mastodon that they were amicably parting ways after 25 years together. The band wrote at the time: “We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavours.”
Now, speaking to Guitar World, guitarist Bill Kelliher has opened up on Hinds’ exit. First reflecting on their time and accomplishments together, Kelliher said: “It’s been a fun, wild fucking ride, that’s for sure. We achieved a lot of things that I never in a million years would have imagined. There’s been Grammys, touring with our heroes, like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motörhead, and Tool. I cherish all of that.”
Brent Hinds of Mastodon at Riot Fest at Douglass Park on September 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)
He went on, explaining about Hinds’ departure: “Like a marriage, sometimes people grow apart, and they get interested in other things. We wish nothing but the best for Brent in chasing his dreams. You know, it’s amazing that we made it 25 years with the four of us.”
“I mean, it’s like being married to three other dudes, traveling the world, trying to stay the course, and having everybody agree. That we managed to do it this long, I feel like that’s a feat in itself. You could never replace any of us because we [are the] the sum of four parts.”
As for what the future holds for Mastodon, the guitarist had this to say: “That doesn’t mean there’s not someone else out there that has stuff to offer in a new direction. I think I’ll just leave it there, you know? It was a hard decision we all had to make. It’s just… it was just time.”
Troy Sanders and Brann Dailor of Mastodon. Credit: Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images
Shortly after Brent Hinds’ exit, Mastodon returned to the stage, performing at Tool’s recent destination festival with popular YouTube guitarist Ben Eller filling in for Hinds. It is currently unclear if Eller will be a permanent member of the band, or if he’s a temporary replacement.
Mastodon have since confirmed that all of their previously announced shows for the year will proceed as planned. They were also named on the stacked line-up for the final Black Sabbath show at Villa Park in Birmingham, which is happening on July 5. Dubbed ‘Back To The Beginning’, it will also see performances from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax, Lamb Of God, Alice In Chains, Halestorm and recent Grammy-winners Gojira.
Mastodon are also one of the supports announced for a pair of Slayer shows in July in Cardiff and London, as well as Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Hatebreed and Neckbreakker.
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