Nick Johnston replaced Brent Hinds in Mastodon and recently shared an emotional tribute following Hinds’ passing. He posted a photo together on Instagram.
Johnston’s post included a heartfelt message honoring his predecessor in the band.
“Irreplaceable. Rest in peace,” Johnston wrote in the caption of his post.
Hinds was reportedly dismissed from Mastodon, and Johnston stepped in as his replacement. The emotional message highlights the respect between the musicians despite the circumstances of the transition.
Johnston’s tribute comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Hinds’ departure from the progressive metal band he helped found over two decades ago.
Mastodon announced what they called a “mutual” parting of ways with Hinds earlier this year. The guitarist’s public statements suggested otherwise. Guitar World reported that Hinds publicly claimed he was kicked out for “embarrassing them for being who I am.” This directly contradicted the band’s official narrative of an amicable split.
The departure became increasingly contentious as Hinds took to social media to express his frustrations with his former bandmates. Louder Sound documented how Hinds criticized his former bandmates’ singing abilities and character in a series of scathing social media posts. This further escalated tensions between the parties.
“I was kicked out for embarrassing them for being who I am,” Hinds stated in his public comments about the split. His statement revealed the personal nature of the conflict that led to his exit from the band he co-founded.
Public acrimony surrounded Hinds’ departure, but Johnston’s respectful tribute demonstrates the personal bonds that can exist between musicians regardless of band politics. Hindustan Times noted that Hinds’ exit marked the end of a 25-year tenure with Mastodon. This makes Johnston’s acknowledgment of his predecessor’s legacy particularly significant in the heavy metal community.
