Fans of Mastodon have recently faced a whirlwind of emotions following the announcement that co-founding lead guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds has officially departed from the band. In the wake of this news, YouTuber Ben Eller has stepped in as a temporary replacement. In an engaging discussion with Guitar World, Bill Kelliher, the band’s rhythm guitarist, shared insights about the future of Mastodon with Eller, as well as what qualities the band seeks in a permanent replacement for Hinds.

Bill Kelliher Shares Insights on Finding Brent Hinds’ Replacement

During the interview published online on March 15, Kelliher emphasized that the ideal candidate to step into Hinds’ shoes should be “easy to get along with” and possess “a strong desire to play – and the skills to back it up.”

He elaborated on the attributes that are important for the right fit:

It’s crucial that this person not only has musical talent but also aligns well with the band dynamics. We need someone who can withstand the rigors of touring, living together in close quarters on a tour bus for extended periods. It’s vital that they can handle that lifestyle.

Moreover, while it’s easy to say, “This guitarist is amazing; let’s hire them,” the reality is that they need to endure the test of time. We want someone we can enjoy spending time with, whether that’s grabbing a beer or having dinner. They must embody the spirit of Mastodon, with their distinct style and a serious commitment to the music.

Kelliher expressed his deep commitment to Mastodon by stating: “I take this band as seriously as anything in my life. It’s my passion, my reality. I’ve invested everything into this project, and I’m not ready to abandon it. We will continue our search, and I believe we will find the right person when the moment is right.”

Regarding Eller’s current involvement with Mastodon, Kelliher provided a brief update:

We have an upcoming tour with Coheed and Cambria in May, which we are committed to fulfilling. We are also in the process of completing our new record. The future with Ben is still uncertain, and we may explore working with a few other musicians as well. It’s too early to make any definitive decisions.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to see Eller join Mastodon permanently, or do you think the band should keep searching for a better match? We’d love to hear your opinions!

READ MORE: Setlist + Video – Mastodon Plays First Show Without Brent Hinds, Introduces Fill-in Guitarist

Understanding Hinds’ Departure and Eller’s Current Role

On March 7, Loudwire reported the official announcement regarding the separation between Mastodon and Hinds, with the band releasing a heartfelt statement on social media:

Dear friends and fans: After an incredible 25 years together, we have mutually decided to part ways with Brent Hinds. We are immensely proud of and grateful for the music and memories we’ve created together, and we wish him success and happiness in all his future endeavors. We are excited and inspired to continue our journey for our fans in this new chapter of Mastodon. Our touring plans for 2025 remain intact, and we look forward to seeing you on the road.

Just two days later, Mastodon performed their first show with Eller at Tool’s now-controversial inaugural Live in the Sand Festival. The 17-song setlist featured a mixture of rare tracks, including five songs that hadn’t been played live in over a decade, such as “Ghost of Karelia” and “The Motherload.” Naturally, the set also included fan favorites like “Blood and Thunder,” “Tread Lightly,” and “Crystal Skull.”

On March 12, Loudwire shared Kelliher’s reflections on Hinds’ departure, stating, “What can one say about the legacy of Mastodon’s first 25 years with Brent? It’s been a wild and exhilarating journey, that’s for sure.”

Kelliher continued with heartfelt sentiments:

We’ve accomplished so much more than I ever dreamed possible. We’ve earned Grammys and toured alongside legends like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motörhead, and Tool. I cherish all of those experiences. Just like in any relationship, sometimes people grow apart and pursue different interests. We truly wish Brent all the best as he chases his dreams.

As for who Eller is and how he landed this role, he is well-known for his successful YouTube channel, which features a series titled “This is Why You Suck at Guitar.” He has produced numerous videos analyzing the guitar work of various bands, including Mastodon. Interestingly, Eller has cited Mastodon’s second album, 2004’s Leviathan, as one of his favorites, and in 2020, he demonstrated to his viewers how to play “Fallen Torches” from the 2020 Medium Rarities compilation, with guidance from Kelliher.

He has also collaborated with the band Whitechapel. When discussing the possibility of Eller filling in for Hinds, vocalist/bassist Troy Sanders posed the question: “Can you learn 17 Mastodon songs immediately?”

Clearly, Eller was up for the challenge.

Mastodon’s Exciting Plans for 2025

As previously mentioned, Mastodon is gearing up for an exhilarating U.S. co-headlining tour alongside Coheed and Cambria (who recently released their latest studio album, Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe). The tour kicks off in May and will feature support from Periphery. Additionally, they will make appearances at the Sonic Temple festival and the Back to the Beginning concert in the U.K., alongside icons like Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.

For a complete list of shows and to purchase tickets, click here.

Kelliher also mentioned that Mastodon is in the process of creating a follow-up to their 2021 album, Hushed and Grim, which fans can eagerly anticipate!