Brent Hinds' Estate Sues Mastodon Over Ownership and Use of His Likeness
A proposed buyout remained unfinished when the band's founding guitarist died, according to the newly filed complaint.
The estate of late Mastodon co-founder Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against the band and its remaining founding members.
The civil complaint was filed September 3 in Fulton County Court and names Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor among the defendants. It alleges that Hinds retained ownership interests in Mastodon, its merchandise operation, and several related businesses following his departure in March 2025.
According to the lawsuit, Mastodon proposed buying Hinds out of those interests as part of their separation. Hinds never signed the agreement, however, and the process remained unfinished when he died.
The estate claims it later received an $80,000 check intended as an aggregate buyout but was not provided with an accounting explaining how the amount was calculated. The check reportedly has not been cashed while the estate seeks a complete assessment of Hinds' holdings.
The complaint also alleges that Mastodon used a recognizable depiction of Hinds on the artwork for the band's latest album, Marrow Deep, and related merchandise without authorization. The estate is seeking compensation for the alleged use of his likeness as well as his outstanding business interests.
Hinds co-founded Mastodon with Sanders, Kelliher, and Dailor in 2000. He left the group after 25 years and died in an Atlanta motorcycle crash in August 2025 at age 51.
The allegations have not been adjudicated.
