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Mastodon have filed a motion asking an Atlanta court to dismiss several claims in the lawsuit brought by the estate of their late former guitarist Brent Hinds. The latest development concerns the musician’s ownership interests in the band and allegations involving the use of his likeness on the group’s latest album.
Surviving Mastodon members Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher submitted their legal response on Monday, November 2. The filing seeks to narrow the case rather than dismiss the entire dispute, with the band’s attorneys arguing that several of the estate’s claims lack a sufficient legal basis, as per Billboard.
The lawsuit was filed in September by Hinds’ father, Billy Hinds, on behalf of the late guitarist’s estate. The estate alleges that Hinds retained a 25 percent ownership interest in Mastodon and its associated businesses when he died in August 2025. It also disputes an $80,000 payment offered as a buyout of those interests.
The band’s new filing challenges claims including breach of fiduciary duty and conversion, a legal term involving the wrongful exercise of control over another person’s property. Mastodon’s lawyers argue that disagreements over the value of Hinds’ ownership interests should be handled as contractual matters rather than as evidence of broader misconduct.
The filing also contests allegations involving the cover artwork of the band’s 2026 album “Marrow Deep”. The estate claims that Hinds’ likeness was used without authorization, while the band’s attorneys dispute the legal basis of that claim.
In their response, Mastodon’s attorneys acknowledged the late guitarist’s importance to the band’s history. They maintained, however, that recognizing his contributions does not automatically establish the legal obligations alleged in the complaint.
The musicians are also challenging the suggestion that they should be held personally liable for certain claims involving the band’s business interests. The motion does not settle the question of what compensation, if any, Hinds’ estate may ultimately be entitled to receive. Those matters remain subject to further legal proceedings.
Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 alongside Dailor, Sanders and Kelliher, helping shape the band’s sound across its first eight studio albums. His departure was announced in March 2025, ending a 25-year association with the group. Hinds died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta in August 2025 at the age of 51, before the financial terms of his separation had been finalized.
The estate subsequently filed its lawsuit in September 2026, alleging that the remaining members had not properly compensated Hinds for his business interests.
Mastodon previously denied allegations of wrongdoing and stated that they intended to defend themselves against the lawsuit. The latest motion represents another stage in the ongoing legal proceedings. No court ruling on the requested dismissals has yet been reported.
