Ben Eller accomplished what few musicians dare to attempt: he stepped in as a replacement for an original band member. The renowned sludge metal band Mastodon has been delivering powerful riffs and explosive rhythms for over 25 years. However, in 2025, the group—comprised of bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor, and guitarist Bill Kelliher—found themselves in a challenging situation. On March 7, Mastodon publicly announced their mutual decision to part ways with founding member Brent Hinds. This left them with a pressing dilemma: an upcoming performance without a guitarist to fill Hinds’ shoes.

Enter “Uncle Ben.” This talented musician and popular YouTuber joined forces with Mastodon on March 9 at the Live in the Sand Festival hosted by Tool in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to SetList.com, Ben and Mastodon powered through an impressive set of 17 tracks, including fan favorites like “I am Ahab,” “Megalodon,” and “Blood and Thunder,” which features on their groundbreaking album Leviathan, inspired by Moby Dick. They even dug into their archives, reviving “All the Heavy Lifting” for the first time in a decade. This raises an intriguing question: how did Eller transition from creating guitar tutorials on YouTube to performing with one of the world’s leading metal bands?

The Journey of Ben Eller to Joining Mastodon

A Gig Six Years in the Making: The Connection with Mastodon

Ben Eller’s opportunity to perform with Mastodon came as a last-minute decision, but he had long been on the band’s radar. “A couple of years ago, Bill [Kelliher] reached out to me via email, expressing his admiration for my channel and the ‘Stuff Mastodon Does’ video I created,” Eller recounted in an interview with Guitar World. In his 2019 video, Ben humorously dissected how Mastodon achieves its iconic sound through specific guitar tunings and equipment, sharing insightful tips while playing snippets of tracks like “Oblivion” and “Blood and Thunder.”

Kelliher recognized a kindred spirit in Eller, leading to a sustained friendship. “He’s as much of a gear enthusiast and riff seeker as I am,” Eller shared with Guitar World. “We frequently exchange recommendations on bands, pedals, amps, and other gear to explore.” With Hinds’ unexpected departure, Kelliher reached out to Eller for assistance during the Live in the Sand festival. Tasked with learning “7 Mastodon songs immediately,” Eller jumped into action, determined to deliver an unforgettable performance for the fans.

Eller embraced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, describing it as “one of the coolest things I could ever get to be a part of.” Yet, he was also acutely aware of the potential backlash he could face. “The backlash could potentially be brutal, especially given how incredible and important of a player Brent has been for the history of the band,” he confided in GW. Fortunately for Eller, his performance was met with an outpouring of “joy and acceptance instead of the typical metalhead anger and complaints.” He expressed surprise at the level of positivity and kindness he received from fans following the show, which exceeded all his expectations.

Implications for Mastodon’s Future After the Lineup Change

Brent Hinds’ Departure Marks a New Chapter After 25 Years

On March 7, Mastodon officially announced their mutual decision to part ways with Brent Hinds after 25 “monumental years together… 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.” Despite this significant change, Mastodon reassured fans that their touring plans for 2025 “remain intact.” In May, the band is set to embark on a joint-headlining tour with Coheed and Cambria, featuring special guests Periphery.

During his conversation with GW, Eller did not confirm whether he would continue to fill in for Hinds during upcoming dates. Similarly, Bill Kelliher refrained from elaborating on the topic when discussing the performance with Guitar World after the Live in the Sand event. What he did reveal, however, was the qualities they seek in a permanent replacement. “We want someone who is easy to get along with, who genuinely desires to play—and can play exceptionally well,” Kelliher stated.

He further highlighted the importance of compatibility with the band’s unique dynamics. “We’ve got to be able to sit down, have a beer with them, go out for dinner, and really get to know them to ensure they fit the Mastodon vibe. They need to be able to hang out comfortably, while also possessing a distinctive playing style and a serious attitude towards music.”