Mastodon just played their first show without founding guitarist Brent Hinds, with YouTuber and session musician Ben Eller stepping in.
The gig went down on March 9 at Tool’s Live In The Sand festival in Punta Cana. It marked a major shift for the band.
Eller, known for his guitar tutorials and deep knowledge of metal, filled in for what appears to be a one-off performance. There’s no word yet on whether he’ll continue with the band, but judging by early footage, he’s nailed the sound.
This lineup change comes just days after Hinds’ departure was confirmed on March 7. While fans had speculated something was up especially after Mastodon’s recent Leviathan deep dive at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art without Hinds. Despite this, the exit still hit hard.
Mastodon’s official statement was short but clear:
“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.“
Hinds hasn’t spoken publicly about his departure, leaving fans wondering if this was truly mutual or if something else is at play. Either way, Mastodon are moving forward, and Eller’s presence signals a seamless transition—for now.
The band’s next big move is their co-headlining tour with Coheed And Cambria, featuring support from Periphery. The trek kicks off May 10 at Salem Civic Center in Virginia and runs through June 8 in Iowa.
For Aussie fans, this shift raises bigger questions—will Mastodon return to Australia with Eller in tow, or is a permanent replacement incoming? The band’s history with Australia runs deep, and if this new chapter includes a tour down under, fans will be watching closely to see who’s holding down Hinds’ riffs.
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