The estate of late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the band over copyright disputes. Read the full news below!
The estate of late Mastodon guitarist and co-founder Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the band and its remaining members, claiming unresolved ownership issues and unauthorized use of Hinds’ likeness after his passing.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the civil complaint was filed in Fulton County Court on September 3. Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor have been named as defendants.
The lawsuit claims Hinds still owned interests in Mastodon and several businesses connected to the band when he died. His estate stated a proposed buyout following his departure was never properly completed. Mastodon later issued an $80,000 check as an aggregate payment for those interests. However, it was also claimed that the band allegedly did not provide an accounting showing how the amount was calculated. The estate has reportedly not cashed the check.
The Marrow Deep artwork was also questioned
The estate has also challenged Mastodon’s use of a recognizable image of Hinds’ on the artwork for the band’s latest album, “Marrow Deep.” The record was released on August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings, and Hinds did not contribute musically to it.
The lawsuit seeks compensation over the alleged use of his image on the album and related merchandise.
Hinds left Mastodon in March 2025 after 25 years with the band. While Mastodon initially described the split as mutual, the lawsuit claims Hinds was actually sacked over email.
Hinds died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta later that year. He was 51.
The estate has also objected to comments made by Mastodon members about Hinds’ private life following his death, including statements linking substance abuse to his departure. The claims remain allegations and have not been verified.
Meanwhile, Mastodon are preparing to hit the road to promote their new album. Their North American tour begins September 16 in Orlando, with Deafheaven and Alcest joining the run. The tour includes stops in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas before wrapping up on October 24.
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