Mastodon sued by estate of late guitarist Brent Hinds

The estate of the late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has filed a civil lawsuit against the surviving members of the band in Fulton County Court, Georgia. The legal action, filed on September 3, centers on two primary disputes: unpaid ownership stakes and the unauthorized use of Hinds' likeness.

The estate alleges that Hinds still holds ownership interests in the band and its related businesses because he had not signed a buyout agreement prior to his death in 2025. While the band reportedly issued an $80,000 check as a buyout, the estate claims they have not cashed it, pending a full accounting of the actual value of Hinds' shares.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims the band used Hinds' recognizable image to promote their latest album, ‘Marrow Deep’, despite him not performing on the record. The estate is seeking damages for the use of his likeness on the album cover and associated merchandise.

In a social media statement, Mastodon denied the allegations, describing the matter as a ‘private business dispute’ and calling the lawsuit ‘meritless’. The band expressed their intention to vigorously defend themselves while stating they will not comment further to honor Hinds' memory.