Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher outlined the band’s requirements for their new guitarist in a recent interview with Guitar World.
“Someone who is easy to get along with, and who really has a desire to play — and can play well. Obviously, you gotta be somebody who we all get along with and can stand the true test of time,” Kelliher stated.
“Like, living together in a little tour bus on the road for fucking days and months at a time, it’s got to be someone who can do all that,” he explained. “And that’s another variable. Like, ‘Oh, this person is a great guitar player. Why don’t you hire them?’ It’s like, ‘Well, they gotta stand the test of time.'”
“We’ve got to be able to sit down and have a beer with them, go out to dinner with them, you know, feel them out, and make sure they’re Mastodon material,” he continued. “Like, can they hang, for sure, but it’s got to be someone who has a unique style, and is very serious about it.”
The band currently searches for a replacement following Brent Hinds’ departure. Personality compatibility and touring experience stand as key factors in their decision.
This significant lineup change follows a remarkable 25-year journey with Hinds.
Loudwire revealed that Hinds’ departure concluded an era of musical diversity. During his tenure, he balanced multiple projects, including his work with the surfabilly band Fiend Without a Face and the country-influenced West End Motel.
The band has taken immediate steps to maintain their touring schedule. Guitar Player noted that YouTube guitarist Ben Eller has joined as a temporary replacement. He made his debut with the band during their performance at Tool’s Live in the Sand festival.
Mastodon will embark on a U.S. co-headlining tour with Coheed and Cambria in May. They continue to move forward while carefully evaluating their options for a permanent replacement.
The band’s methodical search for Hinds’ successor reflects their commitment to preservation. They aim to maintain the chemistry and musical integrity that has defined Mastodon’s sound for over two decades.
