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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.
In short
- Mastodon seeks to dismiss parts of the estate’s lawsuit.
- Hinds’ family disputes an $80,000 payment for his 25 per cent stake.
- The estate also challenges the use of his likeness on an album cover.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The estate can argue that Hinds’ 25 per cent stake should be valued fairly and that an $80,000 payment may not reflect its worth, particularly since no final departure agreement had been signed. It may also contend that using his likeness on an album cover required permission, and that his family should be able to pursue those claims in court.
The case against
Mastodon can argue that the stake and any payment should be assessed under the parties’ contracts and applicable business law, rather than through claims it says lack a legal basis. It may also maintain that the likeness claim does not establish a valid cause of action, and that the court should dismiss those parts of the suit.
Explained simply
Mastodon is a heavy metal band formed in Atlanta, with Brent Hinds as one of its founding guitarists. Hinds left the group after years of performing and recording with it, and died in a motorcycle crash in 2025.
The dispute concerns Hinds’ 25 per cent business stake in the band and how much his estate should receive for it. His family says an $80,000 payment was too low; the band says the disagreement should be dealt with under the terms of its contracts.
The estate has also raised questions about the use of Hinds’ likeness on a Mastodon album cover. The case matters because it may affect how the band’s business ties to a former member, and the rights associated with his image, are resolved.