Mastodon's guitarist expresses relief at leaving his former band, citing difficult team dynamics.
In a surprising turn of events, Brent Hinds, the co-founding guitarist of the iconic metal band Mastodon, announced his departure from the band in March 2023, marking the end of an era for the group that had remained unchanged for a quarter of a century.
The split was initially described as a mutual decision between Hinds and the band. Mastodon released a statement expressing pride and gratitude for their shared history, wishing Hinds success in his future endeavors. The band affirmed their commitment to continuing their 2023 touring plans without disruption.
However, Hinds' own comments suggest there was bad blood on his side, indicating bitterness about his exit. In a social media comment responding to a fan expressing they would miss him, Hinds replied that he would not miss being in "a shit band with horrible humans," implying personal and interpersonal conflicts contributed to his departure.
Since Hinds' departure, Mastodon has performed live without him, initially with YouTube guitarist Ben Eller filling in, and more recently recruiting Nick Johnston for live shows. Band members have reflected on the 25-year journey with Hinds with fondness yet acknowledged that sometimes people grow apart, hinting at personal differences or changing interests as reasons for the split.
The departure was not without its public incidents. Hinds stormed off stage during some recent Mastodon gigs, which may have foreshadowed or contributed to the tensions around his departure. Mastodon has not responded to Hinds' comment about the band.
Mastodon is currently rehearsing for their upcoming UK gigs, which include an appearance at the Back To The Beginning Sabbath all dayer at Villa Park, Birmingham, and supporting Slayer in Cardiff on July 3, 2023. The band will also perform at Finsbury Park, London on July 6, 2023.
Bill Kelliher, another Mastodon guitarist, provided further explanation, likening the situation to a marriage that ended due to personal growth and interests. Kelliher stated that it was simply "time" for Hinds to leave the band. The band's post on Instagram, shared after the announcement, did not contain any additional information about the reasons behind Hinds' departure.
As for Hinds' future endeavors, no details have been provided. The band and Hinds have remained silent on the matter, leaving fans to speculate about the future of one of metal's most influential and enduring bands.
[1] Metal Hammer, "Brent Hinds leaves Mastodon after 25 years," 2023. [2] Blabbermouth.net, "Mastodon Announces Brent Hinds' Departure," 2023. [3] Loudwire, "Mastodon Continues Without Brent Hinds: What We Know So Far," 2023. [4] Guitar World, "Brent Hinds Storms Off Stage During Recent Mastodon Gigs," 2022.
- Amidst the band's 2023 touring plans, Mastodon may incorporate new elements of music into their performances, seeking to fill the void left by Brent Hinds' departure from entertainment.
- In the near future, Brent Hinds might choose to immerse himself in a fresh musical project, expressing a new direction for his artistic endeavors in the entertainment industry.
