Two days after Mastodon shocked fans with the announcement that they’d parted ways with co-founding vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds, the group played their first show without him last night (March 9) in the Dominican Republic as part of Tool’s Live in the Sand destination festival. Hinds’ role was filled by Tennessee musician Ben Eller, although his ongoing status in the band is unknown.
Mastodon sure didn’t make it easy on Eller, as the band dusted off several rarities last night that hadn’t been played live in years. Among them: the first “All the Heavy Lifting” since 2015, the first “Tread Lightly” since 2016 and the first performances of “Ember City” and “Ghost of Karelia” since 2019. The 17-song set also sported such favorites as “Blood and Thunder,” “Steambreather” and “Crystal Skull.”
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On March 7, Mastodon announced Hinds’ departure in a statement that read, “friends and fans, after 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.”
Hinds has yet to reply, although sources say the split was definitely not as amicable as hinted at in the statement.
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.
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