Mastodon Lawsuit Filed
Brent Hinds Estate Sues Mastodon Over Ownership Stakes and Unauthorized Likeness Use
Anonymous
Key Points
1
In the documentary “The Mastodon In The Room,” Troy Sanders attributed the band’s concerns about Hinds’ behavior to “the dark tones, and the alcohol” and said those problems had intensified during the previous five years.
2
Hinds publicly criticized his former bandmates after the split, writing in a deleted comment on Mastodon’s Instagram account: “I want (sic) miss being in a s--- band with horrible humans.”
3
Mastodon’s announcement of Hinds’ departure said the band was “deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared” and wished him “success and happiness in his future endeavors.”
4
The lawsuit concerns ownership interests not only in Mastodon but also in the band’s merchandise store and other affiliated companies.
5
Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor, the three members named as defendants in the complaint.
The estate of Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has sued the band in Georgia court, claiming he still owned stakes in the group when he died in August 2025. Metal Injection reports the lawsuit names founding members Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor as defendants, alleging they never finalized a buyout and used Hinds' likeness on the posthumous album Marrow Deep without permission.
The estate received an $80,000 check but refuses to cash it, saying the band provided no accounting to justify the amount. Rolling Stone notes the complaint also challenges Mastodon's claim that Hinds' March 2025 departure was mutual, alleging he was fired by email.
The Bitter Split Between Band and Founder
Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with the three defendants. After his departure, tensions boiled over publicly. He posted on the band's Instagram: "I want (sic) miss being in a s--- band with horrible humans." Guitar.com reports the band's official statement said they were "deeply proud of and beyond grateful" for Hinds, wishing him "success and happiness in his future endeavors."
The documentary The Mastodon In The Room revealed deeper rifts. Sanders blamed Hinds' struggles with "the dark tones, and the alcohol," saying these problems had worsened over five years. The estate's lawsuit disputes the band's framing, arguing Hinds was dismissed rather than mutually departing.
Unresolved Money and Ownership Claims
The lawsuit targets ownership interests across multiple entities. Hinds allegedly held stakes in Mastodon itself, the band's merchandise business, and related companies. Rolling Stone notes the $80,000 check the estate received lacks any written explanation or accounting of how the figure was calculated.
Without clear documentation, the estate refuses to cash the check and has filed suit to recover what it claims Hinds was owed. The complaint seeks clarity on his actual ownership percentage and fair market value for those interests.
Using Hinds' Image Without Permission
Mastodon released the album Marrow Deep after Hinds' death. Metal Injection reports the estate alleges the band used a recognizable image of Hinds in artwork and promotional materials for the record, even though he did not perform on it. This marks an additional legal claim beyond money owed.
The suit also objects to the band's public discussion of Hinds' private struggles and the internal conflict that led to his exit. The estate argues such disclosures violated his privacy and damaged his legacy.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
14
Articles
11
Reach
25
A
AnonymousAuthor
