It’s been just over a week since Brent Hinds and Mastodon officially parted ways. Despite it all, the band appear to be getting on with things. In fact, they’re even scoping out potential replacements.
Founding guitarist Bill Kelliher opened up about the search, making it clear that while Hinds is irreplaceable in spirit, the show must go on.
Speaking to Guitar World, Kelliher compared the band dynamic to a marriage. One that, after more than two decades, had simply run its course. “Like a marriage, sometimes people grow apart,” he said. “That we managed to do this long, I feel like that’s a feat within itself.”
But despite acknowledging that the original lineup was “the sum of our four parts,” Mastodon isn’t wasting time finding a new guitarist to keep things moving. Kelliher laid out the criteria: “Someone who is easy to get along with, and who really has a desire to play – and can play well.” Beyond the technical chops, he said they need someone who can actually handle the reality of being in a band like Mastodon: “Like, can they hang, for sure, but it’s got to be someone who has a unique style, and is very serious about it.”
One name that’s already circulating is Ben Eller, the band’s current touring guitarist. Kelliher didn’t confirm if Eller is in the running full-time but didn’t rule it out either. “I’m not sure if Ben Eller wouldn’t be a permanent addition,” he said, which is about as non-committal as it gets.
For fans, this search could mean a shift in Mastodon’s sound depending on who steps in. Hinds’ psychedelic, bluesy playing has been a core part of the band’s DNA since day one. Whoever takes over will have to walk the line between keeping Mastodon’s signature heaviness intact and bringing something fresh to the table.
For now, the search is on. So if you’ve got a killer riff, an ironclad work ethic, and the ability to survive years of touring without losing your mind, perhaps give Mastodon a call.
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