Mastodon has broken its silence regarding a lawsuit filed by the estate of late former bandmate Brent Hinds, releasing a statement addressing the accusations. The lawsuit, brought by Hinds’ estate, claims the Atlanta metal band still owes the guitarist money for his share in the group.
The band’s statement addressed the private nature of the dispute and firmly denied any wrongdoing on their part.
“Sadly, a private business dispute with the estate of our dear departed friend Brent Hinds was made public,” Mastodon said. “We strongly deny allegations of ill intent on our part and intend to vigorously defend what we believe is a meritless lawsuit.”
The band also indicated that this would likely be their final public comment on the matter, citing respect for Hinds’ memory.
“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,” Mastodon continued.
The dispute traces back to events that unfolded over the past year and a half. The details laid out in the civil complaint shed further light on the origins of the conflict.
The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Court on September 3, 2026, naming Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor as defendants. The estate’s complaint centers on claims that Mastodon and its members never properly bought Hinds out of his share of the band and its related businesses before his death. The filing also alleges that despite tension while Hinds was still alive, the band later used an image of his face on an album cover after he died, profiting from his likeness.
The estate claims Mastodon issued a check for $80,000 as an aggregate buyout of Hinds’ interests in the band. The lawsuit contends this amount was never adequately explained or accounted for, leaving unresolved questions about the true value of Hinds’ stake in the group.
Hinds’ departure from Mastodon came in March 2025, when the band announced the split as mutual. Five months later, on August 20, 2025, Hinds died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta. His death came amid a period of public acrimony between the guitarist and his former bandmates.
The lawsuit remains ongoing. Further legal proceedings may follow as both sides prepare their positions.
