On Sunday, March 9, Mastodon played their first show since Hinds’ departure, with Youtuber Ben Eller filling in. Afterwards, Eller took to Instagram to express his gratitude at playing the gig, which took place at Tool’s Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.

During a recent interview with Guitar World, Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher didn’t explain the whole “why” thing, he looked back on the quarter century of the band’s time with Hinds. But ultimately, he said it was time for the change to happen.

Coming off the heels of Mastodon’s recent TOOL Live in the Sand performance — the group's first show since splitting with co-founding guitarist Brent Hinds — remaining six-stringer Bill Kelliher has spoken on the surprise departure of his now-former bandmate,

Bill Kelliher has opened up on Brent Hinds' surprise departure from Mastodon, after the band's co-founding guitarist announced he would be stepping away from the metal stalwarts after 25 years of service.

Brent Hinds, lead guitarist and vocalist for the acclaimed modern metal outfit Mastodon has parted ways with the band.

Mastodon are expected to release the follow-up to 2021’s Hushed and Grim at some point this year, and have an extensive tour with Coheed and Cambria beginning May 10 in Salem, Va. The group will also be on hand for the final Black Sabbath concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England.

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.