Mastodon have issued a brief statement regarding the lawsuit filed against them earlier this month by the estate of their late former guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds. That suit alleges that the band have yet to properly resolve the business of divesting Hinds from the various Mastodon-related interests. That process was said to still be underway after the band ejected Hinds in early 2025, with no resolution reached by the time of Hinds‘ August 2025 death in a motorcycle accident.
The estate claim that the band presented an $80,000 buyout to them in the wake of Hinds‘ passing, though they allege that the band did not provide a detailed accounting of how they reached that sum. As such, the estate have refused that offer and are seeking a full accounting.
The estate have also accused the band of using the likeness and image of Hinds on the “Marrow Deep” album art, as well as in promotional materials since the passing of Hinds. The estate further took issue with private details of Hinds‘ life being publicly disclosed via their ‘The Mastodon In The Room‘ documentary.
The GRAMMY Award-winning progressive sludge metal outfit said in a statement issued today, September 11th:
“Sadly, a private business dispute with the estate of our dear departed friend Brent Hinds was made public. We strongly deny allegations of ill intent on our part and intend to vigorously defend what we believe is a meritless lawsuit. We don’t intend to speak publicly on this going forward, as we feel this wouldn’t honor Brent‘s memory or the legacy of his musical gifts.”
