Straight On band photo

MASTODON's Bitter Battle: Estate of Brent Hinds Takes Legal Action Over Unsettled Business

By Jason •
The late guitarist's estate demands justice and transparency amid accusations of exploitation in the wake of his passing.

In a shocking turn of events that cuts deep into the heart of the metal community, the estate of the late Brent Hinds, former lead guitarist of MASTODON, has unleashed a legal storm, claiming that Hinds was never properly compensated for his share in the band before his untimely death. Filed in Fulton County Court on September 3, the estate asserts that despite Brent's exclusion from MASTODON, he was still owed a rightful sum for his contributions to the band and its associated enterprises.

As the dust settles on this bitter dispute, the estate has accused MASTODON of utilizing Hinds' likeness in promotional materials for their recently released album, 'Marrow Deep,' without consent. In a rebuttal, the remaining members expressed their disappointment over the public nature of this private business conflict, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent in their actions. Yet, the estate pushes back hard, clarifying that their fight is not about money but about the principles of legacy and respect.

In a statement to Guitar World, the estate argued, “Public discussion has largely misrepresented our intentions,” asserting that Brent had sought an orderly separation and accounting of his interests within MASTODON's business dealings before his death. The estate contends that his likeness is a significant issue, spotlighting a larger concern regarding the merchandising revenues that continue to flow even after his exclusion from the band.

Furthermore, the estate highlights the contradiction in MASTODON's actions — invoking Brent's image for commercial gain while simultaneously denying his ongoing relevance to the band's identity. “You can’t use Brent’s face when it’s convenient for you while dismissing his contributions when it comes to financial matters,” they argue, stirring the cauldron of controversy even further.

Adding fuel to the fire, documents reveal that MASTODON attempted to buy out Hinds’ share with a check for $80,000, but Brent never signed the agreement, leaving his estate to navigate the murky waters of what they truly believe is owed. The album cover of 'Marrow Deep,' which features Brent's face alongside that of Brann Dailor’s late mother, has now become a focal point of the lawsuit, as the estate decries the use of his image in marketing a product he had no part in creating.

As the legal battle unfolds, the estate has also taken issue with personal revelations made by Dailor, Sanders, and Kelliher in a recent documentary concerning Brent's struggles with substance abuse, which they claim violate his privacy. The emotional toll of this public discourse has not only reignited old wounds but has also led to personal attacks against Brent’s family, prompting calls for compassion as they seek closure in this turbulent chapter of their lives.