Mastodon Fights Lawsuit From Late Guitarist Brent Hinds’ Estate: ‘The Truth Will Be Addressed in Due Course’

Mastodon has asked an Atlanta judge to dismiss parts of a lawsuit brought by the estate of former guitarist Brent Hinds. The band argues that disputes over Hinds’ business stake should be handled under contract law, and says some allegations have no legal basis.

Hinds’ family is seeking to cash out his 25 per cent stake, saying an $80,000 payment after his death was too low. The estate also alleges that Mastodon used Hinds’ likeness on the cover of its August 2026 album without permission; the band disputes the legal basis of that claim. Hinds, who died aged 51 in a motorcycle crash in August 2025, was negotiating his departure from the band, but no final paperwork had been signed.