Following the news that, the estate of late Mastodon co-founder and guitarist Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the band and its remaining members over his alleged ownership interests and the use of his likeness following his death, the band has now responded via social media. The band says they “strongly deny the allegations.” Read the full statement below.
The band commented:
“Sadly, a private business dispute with the estate of our dear departed friend Brent Hinds was made public. We strongly deny allegations of ill intent on our part and intend to vigorously defend what we believe is a meritless lawsuit. 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.”
According to the estate, the band later presented an $80,000 buyout offer but did not provide a detailed accounting explaining how that figure was calculated. The estate is seeking a full accounting before accepting any settlement.
The complaint also accuses Mastodon of using Hinds’ likeness on the artwork for Marrow Deep and in promotional materials following his death. It further takes issue with details of Hinds’ private life being discussed in the band’s documentary, The Mastodon In The Room.
According to published reports from Lambgoat and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the estate of late Mastodon co-founder and guitarist Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the band and its remaining members over his alleged ownership interests and the use of his likeness following his death.
The civil complaint was filed September 3rd in Fulton County Court and names Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor among the defendants.
According to the lawsuit, Hinds still held ownership interests in Mastodon and several related businesses when he died, as a proposed buyout agreement following his departure from the band had not been completed.
The estate claims Mastodon later issued an $80,000 check as an aggregate buyout of those interests, but did not provide an accounting explaining how that figure was calculated. The estate reportedly has not cashed the check.
As reported earlier this week via Lambgoat and The Atlanta Constitution Journal, the civil complaint was filed September 3rd in Fulton County Court and names Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor among the defendants.
According to the lawsuit, Hinds still held ownership interests in Mastodon and several related businesses when he died, as a proposed buyout agreement following his departure from the band had not been completed.
The estate claims Mastodon later issued an $80,000 check as an aggregate buyout of those interests, but did not provide an accounting explaining how that figure was calculated. The estate reportedly has not cashed the check.
The complaint also alleges that Mastodon used a recognizable image of Hinds on the artwork for their latest album, Marrow Deep, despite Hinds not contributing musically to the record. The estate is seeking compensation related to the alleged use of his likeness in connection with the album and associated merchandise.
Hinds parted ways with Mastodon in March 2025 after 25 years with the band. While the group initially described the split as mutual, the lawsuit alleges that Hinds was informed of his dismissal via email.
Hinds died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta later that year. He was 51.
The lawsuit also takes issue with the surviving members publicly discussing details of Hinds’ private life following his death, including their claims that substance abuse contributed to his departure from the band.
The allegations have not yet been adjudicated.
Marrow Deep was released last month on August 28th through Loma Vista Recordings. The group will support the new release with a North American tour kicking off next week with Deafhaven and Alcest.
09/16 Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
09/18 Asheville, NC @ Asheville Yards
09/19 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
09/20 Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
09/22 Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
09/23 Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
09/24 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
09/25 Washington, DC @ Anthem
09/27 Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
09/28 Toronto, ON @ Rebel
09/29 Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo River Works
10/01 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
10/02 Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theater
10/03 Minneapolis, MN @ Palace Theatre
10/06 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
10/07 Boise, ID @ Revolution Center
10/09 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
10/10 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
10/11 San Diego, CA @ The Sound
10/14 Denver, CO @ Fillmore Plaza
10/16 Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
10/17 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
10/18 Memphis, TN @ Satellite Music Hall
10/20 Cleveland, OH @ Algora Ballroom
10/21 Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
10/22 Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
10/24 Dallas, TX @ Sick New World Texas