Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher talks parting ways with Brent Hinds: “it was just time”

”It was a hard decision we all had to make,” Kelliher told Guitar World.

Mar 13, 2025 - 03:20

Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher talks parting ways with Brent Hinds: “it was just time”

Last week, Mastodon and co-founding guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds revealed they’d parted ways after 25 years. Guitar World has now spoken with Mastodon’s remaining guitar player, Bill Kelliher, about the move. “What can you say about the legacy of Mastodon’s first 25 years with Brent?” he said. “It’s been a fun, wild fucking ride, that’s for sure. We achieved a lot of things that I never in a million years would have imagined. There’s been Grammys, touring with our heroes, like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead, and Tool. I cherish all of that.”

“Like a marriage, sometimes people grow apart, and they get interested in other things,” Kelliher continued to Guitar World. “We wish nothing but the best for Brent in chasing his dreams.”

“You know, it’s amazing that we made it 25 years with the four of us,” Kelliher added. “I mean, it’s like being married to three other dudes, traveling the world, trying to stay the course, and having everybody agree. That we managed to do it this long, I feel like that’s a feat in itself. You could never replace any of us because we [are the] the sum of four parts.”

“That doesn’t mean there’s not someone else out there that has stuff to offer in a new direction,” Kelliher told Guitar World. “I think I’ll just leave it there, you know? It was a hard decision we all had to make. It’s just… it was just time.”

Mastodon played their first show without Hinds at Tool’s Live in the Sand festival on Sunday, where they were joined by popular YouTuber Ben Eller on guitar in Hinds’ place. He posted on Instagram about the experience, writing, “What an incredible weekend playing with @mastodonrocks as a part of @toolinthesand. You guys who have followed me for a while know how much I love this music, so to be asked to play alongside the band is a TRUE honor. I’ve seen your kind and supportive words for me out there, and it means the world to me! My inbox is so stuffed, there’s no way I can respond to every single thing, but know how much I appreciate yall. Thank you all, and thank you to @billy_butterslax , @creamale , and Troy for trusting me to get the job done. Playing the parts of one of my favorite guitarists ever is no easy task, but it was a joy. Cheers, everyone!”