Brent Hinds' estate sues Mastodon over band shares and image rights

The estate of the late Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta-based metal band Mastodon regarding his ownership interest in the group. The legal action, filed in Fulton County Court, alleges that Hinds and the band had not reached a final agreement regarding the transfer of his shares, including music and merchandising rights, prior to his death in an August 2025 motorcycle accident.

The estate claims that while an $80,000 check was offered to settle his interest, the contract was never signed and the basis for the amount remains unclear. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the band has profited from Hinds’ image without authorization. Specific claims include the use of a likeness resembling Hinds on the cover of the band’s new album, ‘Marrow Deep’, and the unauthorized use of his death in promotional materials for the single ‘Your Ghost Again’. The estate also criticizes the band for disclosing private details about Hinds in their documentary, ‘The Mastodon In The Room’.

Mastodon has issued a statement denying any ill intent and characterized the lawsuit as “unfounded.” The band expressed their intention to defend themselves vigorously while stating they will not make further public comments out of respect for Hinds’ memory.