Atlanta-based progressive metal band Mastodon recently performed at the ‘Tool Live In The Sand’ festival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, marking their first show without founding guitarist Brent Hinds. To fill the void, they recruited YouTuber and session musician Ben Eller, known for his instructional series “This Is Why You Suck At Guitar.”
On March 7, 2025, Mastodon announced Hinds’ departure after 25 years, expressing gratitude for their shared musical journey and wishing him success in future endeavors. The band assured fans that all 2025 touring plans would proceed as scheduled.
Ben Eller, hailing from Tennessee, gained prominence through his engaging guitar tutorials on YouTube. Beyond his online presence, Eller has performed with various acts, including the 1980s hair metal tribute band Skankbanger and the southern blues-rock Kennedy Wood Band. He has also contributed as a guest guitarist for the deathcore band Whitechapel.
The ‘Tool Live In The Sand’ festival, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Royalton Resort, featured Mastodon alongside acts like Primus and Coheed and Cambria. Fan-filmed footage showcases Eller’s seamless integration into the band, delivering a performance that honored Mastodon’s legacy while introducing a fresh dynamic.
As Mastodon embarks on this new chapter, the collaboration with Ben Eller highlights the band’s adaptability and commitment to delivering powerful performances. Fans eagerly anticipate how this lineup change will influence Mastodon’s future projects and live shows.
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