Brent Hinds, the iconic guitarist of Mastodon for nearly 25 years, has just shattered the illusion of an amicable split—confirming he was kicked out of the band, not a consensual departure. He aired his grievances in a scathing Instagram comment under a fan-posted clip of the 2012 “Crack the Skye” performance.
In explosive remarks, Hinds dismissed his former bandmates—Troy Sanders and Brann Dailor—as tone-deaf and auto-tuned, accusing them of orchestrating his exit because he “embarrassed them for being who I am.” His dramatic declaration added, “I’ve never met three people that were so full of themselves. It’s disgusting.”
Despite the public attack, Mastodon has taken a composed stance, previously framing the parting as mutual and gracious, with guitarist Bill Kelliher likening the split to a marriage that simply ran its course.
Meanwhile, Mastodon has pressed ahead—bringing on Nick Johnston as Hinds’s touring and studio replacement—while Hinds continues to channel his energy into other music projects.
This clash of narratives underscores how friction can lurk beneath even the most celebrated creative partnerships, leaving fans watching the fallout unfold in real time.
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