Mastodon fans have had a stressful time recently, following the announcement that co-founder and lead guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds has left the band.
During a recent interview with Guitar World, rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher discussed the band’s future plans with Eller, as well as what Mastodon is looking for in a suitable replacement for Hinds.
What Bill Kelliher Said
In the interview (which was published online on March 15), Kelliher stated that the ideal candidate for the position would be “easy to get along with” and have “a desire to play – and can play well.”
He elaborated:
Obviously, you gotta be somebody who we all get along with and can stand the true test of time. Like, living together in a little tour bus on the road for fucking days and months at a time, it’s got to be someone who can do all that.
And that’s another variable. Like, “Oh, this person is a great guitar player, why don’t you hire them?” It’s like, “Well, they gotta stand the test of time.” We’ve got to be able to sit down and have a beer with them, go out to dinner with them, you know, feel them out, and make sure they’re Mastodon material. Like, can they hang, for sure, but it’s got to be someone who has a unique style, and is very serious about it.
Kelliher added: “I’m as serious as a heart attack with Mastodon. It’s my life. It’s all I really know. I’ve got all my eggs in this basket – and I’m not ready to give it up yet. So, we’re going to keep looking, and who knows? We’ll find the right person when the time is right and ready.”
Kelliher provided a brief update on Eller’s potential role in Mastodon.
We do have some more shows coming up. We have a tour with Coheed and Cambria coming up in May, which, you know, we’re still going to fulfil that. We’re going to finish up our new record; I’m not sure what our future is with Ben or if we’ll try a couple of other people out. Not really sure yet; it’s too early to say.
So, would you like Eller to join Mastodon permanently, or would you prefer that the band continue to look for a better fit? Let us know!
More About Hinds’ Departure and Eller’s Role
On March 7, Loudwire reported on Mastodon and Hinds’ official separation, with the band issuing the following statement on social media.
Friends and fans: After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.
Two days later, Mastodon performed their first show with Eller at Tool’s (now-controversial) inaugural Live in the Sand festival.
The 17-song setlist featured several rarities, including five tracks that hadn’t been performed live in at least a decade, such as “Ghost of Karelia” and “The Motherload”. Naturally, it included fan favorites like “Blood and Thunder,” “Tread Lightly,” and “Crystal Skull.”
On March 12, Loudwire reported on Kelliher’s initial comments regarding Hinds’ departure. “What are your thoughts on Mastodon’s first 25 years with Brent? “It’s been a fun, wild fucking ride, for sure,” he said.
Kelliher continued:
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. We wish nothing but the best for Brent in chasing his dreams
Eller is best known for his successful YouTube channel (which includes a series titled “This is Why You Suck at Guitar”). He’s also made several videos breaking down the guitarwork of his favorite bands, including Mastodon.
Eller has even stated that Mastodon’s sophomore album, 2004’s Leviathan, is one of his favorites, and in 2020, he demonstrated how to play “Fallen Torches” (from 2020’s Medium Rarities compilation) with the help of Kelliher!
He has also worked with Whitechapel, and when considering Eller as a replacement for Hinds, vocalist/bassist Troy Sanders asked him, “Can you learn 17 Mastodon songs immediately?”
Clearly, he could.
Mastodon’s Plans for 2025
As previously stated, Mastodon will co-headline a U.S. tour with Coheed and Cambria (who recently released their latest studio album, Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe). It will start in May and will be supported by Periphery.
They will also attend the Sonic Temple festival and the Back to the Beginning concert, which will feature Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, in the United Kingdom.
You can view the full schedule of shows and purchase tickets here.
According to Kelliher, Mastodon is also working on a follow-up to their 2021 album Hushed and Grim!