Mastodon responds after estate of “dear departed friend” Brent Hinds sue the band
Mastodon have publicly responded after the estate of their former guitarist Brent Hinds filed a lawsuit against the band, alleging he was not properly compensated following his departure and that his likeness was used without permission after his death. The dispute matters because it complicates the legacy of Hinds, who left the Atlanta metal band under disputed circumstances in March 2025 and died months later in a motorcycle accident, and it comes just weeks after Mastodon released their first album since his death.
The estate says it received an $80,000 cheque from the band, reflecting Hinds' interests, but has refused to cash it, and further claims the band used his image on the cover art of new album 'Marrow Deep' without consent. The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Court on 4 September, also alleges Hinds never signed a buyout agreement for his stake in the band's companies before he died. Mastodon called the suit "meritless" in an Instagram statement, said they would "vigorously defend" themselves, and stated they would not comment further out of respect for Hinds' memory.
- Brent Hinds' estate is suing Mastodon over compensation and likeness use
- Estate refused an $80,000 cheque, disputes album cover art usage
- Mastodon calls the lawsuit "meritless" and vows to fight it
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Mastodon are an Atlanta heavy metal band who parted ways with guitarist and co-founder Brent Hinds in March 2025, in circumstances that were never fully explained. Hinds died in a motorcycle accident later that year, and the band went on to release "Marrow Deep," their first album since his death.
A dispute has now emerged between the band and Hinds' estate, which is handling his affairs and financial interests since he died. Estates like this typically pursue money owed to the deceased and control how their name and image are used, which is relevant here given the claims involve compensation and use of Hinds' likeness on album artwork.
Mastodon have released several albums and built a significant following since forming in 2000, making disputes over money, image rights and how a former member is remembered matters that resonate with fans as well as the music industry more broadly.