Metal Legends Part With Band Member After 25 Years

2025-03-07

Mastodon

When a band has been around for decades with the same lineup, it’s quite surprising when that lineup finally starts to splinter. – Author: Scarlett Hunter, Photo via Clay Patrick McBride

When a band has been around for decades with the same lineup, it’s quite surprising when that lineup finally starts to splinter. While having band members retire is a common thing, no matter how long they’ve been together, it just hits differently when it’s a band that’s been a solid unit for so long.

Now, one longstanding metal band has announced that they’ve split with their longtime singer and guitarist.

Mastodon and Brent Hinds Parting Ways

Atlanta metal band Mastodon have announced that they’re breaking up with singer-guitarist Brent Hinds. It’s so wild, because this marks the first change in the band’s lineup in 25 years.

The group took to social media to share the news, stating, “Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. 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 endeavors.”

Mastodon continued, making sure fans knew that this doesn’t in any way mean the band is done, stating, “We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.”

Mastodon first formed in 2000, and at the time, worked with vocalist Eric Saner, but that was a really a small period in the band’s history. Mastodon have maintained the same lineup of original members Hinds, singer-bass player Troy Sanders, singer-drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist-vocalist Bill Kelliher for that entire time, until this announcement.

Mastodon Could Go On as a Three-Piece

As for a replacement, Mastodon haven’t dropped any news about who might step in and try to fill the void left by Hinds. It’s going to be difficult to find someone to replace him. It’s even possible that they won’t find a new band member, since all of the group’s instruments are taken care of between Sanders, Dailor and Kelliher. Those guys could even sing Hinds’ parts, too.

At this point, Mastodon are such an entity, that it would actually be refreshing to have them not fill Hinds’ place. If they can go on as a three-piece, why not? They’ve been doing this for decades, so they have the skills to go on without adding another wheel.

Mastodon, as they explained in their statement, will still complete all of their scheduled tour plans, which includes a stop at Tool’s Dominican Republic island festival “Tool in the Sand,” which starts Friday, March 7. They also have a major co-headlining spring tour with Coheed and Cambria that begins May 10 in Salem, Virginia.

That’s not all. The guys of Mastodon are also schedule to perform at the final Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England, plus some U.K. tour dates with Slayer on July 3 and 6.

Hinds will be missing a lot of fun on the road, but there has to be a noble reason for his decision, especially since it’s happening so close to Mastodon getting back out on the road. We wish both Hinds and Mastodon the best.

Scarlett Hunter
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Posted by Scarlett Hunter | Metal, Music, Rock News

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