Entertainment · Music · 4 hrs ago
Mastodon Asks Judge to Dismiss Parts of Brent Hinds Estate Lawsuit
Mastodon has asked a judge to dismiss parts of a lawsuit filed by the estate of its late former guitarist, Brent Hinds.
The case was brought by Hinds’ father, Billy, on behalf of the estate, and concerns the band’s business dealings with Hinds.
The estate says Hinds’ departure was not legally formalized before his death in August 2025, after the band said they had mutually parted ways in March 2025.
The estate says Mastodon offered an $80,000 check for Hinds’ share, which it refused to cash.
The band disputes the estate’s claims about a buyout, Hinds’ ownership stake and use of his image on the cover of its album Marrow Deep.
Mastodon’s lawyers argue the individual members should not be personally liable because the band is a limited liability company.
A judge will decide whether parts of the case can proceed; the estate filed its complaint in September.
Mastodon’s surviving members asked an Atlanta judge to dismiss parts of a lawsuit brought by Brent Hinds’ estate.
The band argues that some claims, including breach of fiduciary duty and conversion, lack a legal basis.
The estate alleges Mastodon owes money for Hinds’ 25% stake in the band and used his likeness on an album cover without permission.
The dispute also concerns an $80,000 check the estate says was too low and refused to cash.
Hinds died in a motorcycle crash in August 2025, while terms of his departure from the band remained unsettled.
- Who
- Mastodon’s surviving members and the estate of former guitarist Brent Hinds, represented by his father.
- What
- Mastodon asked a judge to dismiss parts of the estate’s lawsuit over Hinds’ business interests and the use of his likeness.
- When
- The band filed its request on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
- Where
- An Atlanta court.
- Why
- Mastodon argues that some claims lack a legal basis; the estate seeks payment for Hinds’ stake and challenges use of his likeness.
Mastodon
Brent Hinds’ estate
Business interests
Mastodon
The band says any buyout was not binding and disputes the estate’s claims of theft and fiduciary breach.
Brent Hinds’ estate
The estate says Hinds’ 25% stake was not properly bought out and that the $80,000 check was too low.
Album artwork
Mastodon
The band says the estate’s legal claim over Hinds’ likeness is flawed.
Brent Hinds’ estate
The estate alleges the album cover used Hinds’ likeness without its permission.
Mastodon and Hinds said they mutually parted ways, although Hinds later disputed that account.
Hinds died in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta while exit terms were still being negotiated.
Hinds’ estate filed its lawsuit against Mastodon.
Mastodon’s surviving members asked an Atlanta judge to dismiss parts of the lawsuit.
- Hinds’ stake
- 25% of the band’s operations
- Check to estate
- $80,000
- Album
- Marrow Deep, released in August 2026
- Hinds’ age at death
- 51
- Court filing
- Filed Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
His contributions to the band’s legacy are undeniable, and his death was a profound loss. None of that is in dispute.
Even assuming the truth of the Estate’s allegations, large swaths of the Complaint’s legal theories fail to state a claim and should be dismissed.
They kicked me out