Mastodon, Brent Hinds and Eller

Who is Ben Eller? What we know about the guitarist who performed with Mastodon after Brent Hinds' exit
After guitarist Brent Hinds’ exit from the heavy metal band, Mastodon, they were joined by Ben Eller. On March 9, 2025, Eller performed with the band at Tool’s Tool in The Sand Festival.
Mastodon part ways with guitarist Brent Hinds and draft in YouTuber Ben Eller to fill his place
Hinds' exit was announced on March 7, leaving Eller just hours to step into his new — though possibly temporary — role in Mastodon
MASTODON's BILL KELLIHER on BRENT HINDS split: "It was just time"
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,
Mastodon Play First Show After Split With Co-Founder Brent Hinds
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.
Who Is Ben Eller, the Mastodon Guitarist Filling In After Brent Hinds’ Exit?
So who exactly in Ben Eller? The YouTube favorite stepped into the role of guitarist for Mastodon after the recently announced exit of longtime favorite Brent Hinds and admirably helped the group through their performance at Tool‘s Live in the Sand festival this weekend.
MASTODON joined by guitarist BEN ELLER for first show since BRENT HINDS split
Last night (March 9th), Mastodon played their first show since the shock departure of founding guitarist Brett Hinds, and they indeed had another axeman on-stage with them at the TOOL Live in the Sand event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. To help them get through the set, they enlisted YouTube guitarist Ben Eller.
Mastodon recruit YouTuber for first show following Brent Hinds’ shock departure
The band mutually parted ways with their founding guitarist just days before they were due to play at the Tool in the Sand festival – and it seems the YouTuber wasn’t given much time to learn the mate
Setlist + Video – Mastodon Play First Show Without Brent Hinds, Reveal Fill-in Guitarist
Mastodon played their first show since parting ways with longtime guitarist Brent Hinds, utilizing the services of YouTuber Ben Eller. It was a high profile set at Tool‘s Live in the Sand Festival where Eller made his live debut with the veteran prog group.
Ben Eller makes Mastodon debut after Brent Hinds’ exit – but what’s next for the prog-metal titans?
Hinds is out. Eller is in for now. Brann Dailor has a black eye. Palace intrigue notwithstanding, “all 2025 touring plans ...
MetalSucks11h
Ben Eller Calls Getting to Fill In for Mastodon a “True Honor”
“Get into it!. What an incredible weekend playing with Mastodon as a part of Tool Live In The Sane. You guys who have followed me for a while know how much I love this music, so to be asked to play ...
Guitar Player on MSN5h
"It was a hard decision we all had to make." Bill Kelliher speaks out about Brent Hinds' departure from Mastodon and looks to the metal band's “new chapter”
The breakup, announced March 7, brought an end to Hinds' 25 years with the group. Kelliher says the decision was mutual ...
Consequence11h
YouTube Guitarist Ben Eller on Performing with Mastodon: “To Play Alongside the Band Is a TRUE Honor”
YouTube guitarist Ben Eller called it a true "honor" to perform alongside Mastodon during the band's set at Tool's music festival. Read more.
105.7 The Point10h
Fill-in Mastodon guitarist Ben Eller reflects on first show: ‘It was a joy’
Mastodon played their first show without founding guitarist Brent Hinds on Sunday during Tool's Live in the Sand destination festival, recruiting guitarist Ben ...
MetalSucks10h
Bill Kelliher on Brent Hinds’ Exit from Mastodon: “It Was a Hard Decision We All Had to Make”
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, ...