Machine Head has brought on Ben Eller as a touring guitarist for their run with Killswitch Engage, as reported via the band’s Instagram. The move marks a significant addition to the lineup. Eller — a YouTuber and session musician who previously toured with Mastodon following Brent Hinds’ departure in early 2025 — is now performing full sets with the band.
Frontman Robb Flynn addressed the new arrangement ahead of the Detroit show, which marked Eller’s first complete performance with Machine Head on the tour.
“Hanging out in Detroit, opening night of the Killswitch Engage tour. And honestly, it’s a pretty special night for us,” Flynn said. “We are going to be bringing out Ben Eller on the guitar to do the whole show with us.”
Flynn noted that Eller had already made a brief appearance at a prior show before stepping into a full role.
“The other night [June 1] in Pittsburgh, we brought him out to do the last three songs, but tonight’s gonna be the first full show that he does with the band. So, definitely excited to see how this goes,” he continued. “We’ve been throwing a lot of songs at him, and he’s had a very short amount of time to learn it all.”
Flynn closed his remarks with a message to the local crowd.
“But, yeah, definitely looking forward to tonight. Can’t wait to see the Michigan headcases out there raging. We’ll see you in the pit,” he added.
Following the Detroit show, Flynn issued a further statement about Eller’s performance with the band. The tour continues as Machine Head moves forward with their new touring lineup.
The addition of Eller brings further clarity to Machine Head’s current situation on the road. The band opted for a proven touring hand to fill the guitar slot for their June 2026 dates rather than rushing a permanent lineup decision.
Blabbermouth reported that Eller has been brought in specifically for Machine Head’s June 2026 shows with Killswitch Engage, with no announcement of a permanent membership change made at this time. The arrangement underscores the band’s pragmatic approach to keeping the tour on track while their lineup situation remains in flux.
Eller is widely recognized in the guitar community not only for his live work but also for his extensive presence as a YouTuber and session guitarist. He has built a substantial following through instructional content and technique-focused videos. His reputation as a technically accomplished player made him a natural fit for the demanding Machine Head catalog.
His most recent high-profile touring credit came with Mastodon, where he stepped in following Brent Hinds’ departure in early 2025. Arrow Lords of Metal noted that the experience gave Eller significant exposure on the major metal touring circuit. That visibility made his transition into the Machine Head camp a logical next step.
Eller’s debut with Machine Head was gradual. He first appeared for the final three songs at the June 1 Pittsburgh stop before taking on full-set duties in Detroit. The band’s willingness to ease him into the role, despite the compressed rehearsal timeline Flynn described, reflects both confidence in Eller’s abilities and the practical realities of life on the road. The tour with Killswitch Engage is ongoing. Machine Head is expected to continue with Eller in the lineup for the remaining June dates.
