Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher comments on the departure of Brent Hinds: “It was time to move on”

Brent Hinds, longtime guitarist and lead singer of the Atlanta-based metal band Mastodon, announced last week that he was leaving the band after 25 years. In an interview with Guitar World magazine, the band’s co-guitarist Bill Kelliher opened up about his thoughts on the move.

Kelliher described Mastodon’s first 25 years with Hinds as a “wild and incredible journey”. He highlighted the band’s achievements, including Grammy awards and tours with major idols such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motörhead and Tool. “The fact that we lasted this long together is an achievement in itself,” said Kelliher. He compared the band’s dynamic to a marriage, where people sometimes grow apart and become interested in different things.

Although the decision was a difficult one, Kelliher insisted it was the right time to move on. He also hinted at the possibility of finding new directions for the band: “It doesn’t mean that someone else can’t bring something new to the table.”

The band performed for the first time without Hinds on Sunday March 9th at the Tool Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic. Hinds was replaced by YouTube star and session musician Ben Eller, known for his guitar instruction video “This Is Why You Suck At Guitar”. Eller shared his experience on Instagram, describing the gig as “a real honour” and thanking the band for their trust.

Mastodon previously confirmed in a statement that all 2025 tours will go ahead as planned, despite the change to Hinds. Hinds was considered a key part of the band’s line-up since 2000, and his contributions were heard on all eight of Mastodon’s studio albums.