Mastodon Sued by Brent Hinds Estate Over Band Share

The estate of late singer-guitarist Brent Hinds filed a civil lawsuit against Mastodon members Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor in Fulton County Court last week. The suit claims the band provided inadequate compensation for Hinds’ share of the group's companies following his departure. According to the filing, Mastodon sent the estate an $80,000 check representing Hinds' interests. The estate declined to cash the payment, stating the band provided no calculations to support the figure.

Hinds and Mastodon separated in March 2025. The band emailed Hinds a proposed separation agreement outlining terms to buy out his share of their companies, which they initially proposed keeping confidential. The estate states Hinds never signed the agreement before he died in a motorcycle crash five months later.

The legal dispute also involves Mastodon's latest album, Marrow Deep, released last month. The record is dedicated to Hinds and Dailor’s late mother. Its cover art features three figures based on the Fates from Greek mythology, including one with a torso made of skulls. The estate alleges one of these skulls resembles Hinds, claiming the band used his likeness without permission to advertise, market, distribute, and sell music and merchandise.

Additionally, the lawsuit criticizes Mastodon for a 35-minute promotional video posted before the album's release. In the video, the band grieved Hinds and discussed his alleged substance use as a reason for his ejection. The estate argues the band disclosed details Hinds chose to keep private during his life.

Following the March 2025 split, Mastodon released cordial messaging wishing Hinds success and happiness. Hinds subsequently posted hostile comments and aired grievances on social media until days before his fatal accident.

Mastodon issued a statement denying any ill intent and calling the lawsuit meritless. The band stated they will vigorously defend themselves against the claims. "We don’t intend to speak publicly on this going forward, as we feel this wouldn’t honor Brent’s memory or the legacy of his musical gifts," the group said.