# Mastodon fight back against Brent Hinds lawsuit

> The band calls the estate's claims meritless, then says it will not discuss the case again.
- Title: Mastodon fight back against Brent Hinds lawsuit · Guitar World
- Summary: The band calls the estate's claims meritless, then says it will not discuss the case again. Mastodon deny wrongdoing over Hinds' image and merch buyout, and…
- Keywords: mastodon, brent hinds, lawsuit, metal, touring, fight, back, against, Brent, Hinds, Guitar World
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/bands/mastodon-respond-to-brent-hinds-estate-lawsuit
- Published: 2026-09-14T10:14:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mastodon, brent hinds, lawsuit, metal, touring
## Mastodon break their silence
After news broke that Brent Hinds' estate is suing them, the band issued a statement calling it a private dispute that spilled into public view.

> Sadly, a private business dispute with the estate of our dear departed friend Brent Hinds was made public.
## They call it meritless
Mastodon reject the idea that they acted in bad faith and say they will fight the case rather than settle quietly.

> We strongly deny allegations of ill intent on our part and intend to vigorously defend what we believe is a meritless lawsuit.
## No more public comment
The band says it will stop talking about the case, framing silence as respect for Hinds' memory and his playing.

> We don't intend to speak publicly on this going forward.
## Who is being sued
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that founding members Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor are named as defendants in the estate's filing.
## What the estate claims
The complaint cites unauthorized use of Hinds' image, an unfinished merch buyout, comments about his substance abuse, and private information made public after his death.

> selected and placed a recognizable image of Brent on the album cover of [new record] Marrow Deep
## The band keeps moving
Baroness frontman John Baizley has joined Mastodon's touring lineup long term, debuting at a warm-up show at the Earl before the Poisonous Weapons tour.

> We've invited him join us on stage during The Poisonous Weapons Tour to play a special set of Mastodon songs we haven't played in a long time!
## Key takeaway

Mastodon deny wrongdoing over Hinds' image and merch buyout, and are moving on with John Baizley joining the touring lineup.