Mastodon, Brent Hinds and YouTube

Mastodon part ways with guitarist Brent Hinds and draft in YouTuber Ben Eller to fill his place
Hinds' exit was announced on March 7, leaving Eller just hours to step into his new — though possibly temporary — role in Mastodon
Who Is Ben Eller, the Mastodon Guitarist Filling In After Brent Hinds’ Exit?
So who exactly in Ben Eller? The YouTube favorite stepped into the role of guitarist for Mastodon after the recently announced exit of longtime favorite Brent Hinds and admirably helped the group through their performance at Tool‘s Live in the Sand festival this weekend.
Mastodon Tap Guitar YouTuber Ben Eller as Brent Hinds’ Replacement
When it was announced late last week that Mastodon and guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds were splitting up after 25 years, it shocked the metal community. What would happen to Mastodon? Why was this only happening now, given Hinds’ apparent dislike of being in a metal band? What are they going to do for their upcoming live commitments?
MASTODON joined by guitarist BEN ELLER for first show since BRENT HINDS split
Last night (March 9th), Mastodon played their first show since the shock departure of founding guitarist Brett Hinds, and they indeed had another axeman on-stage with them at the TOOL Live in the Sand event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. To help them get through the set, they enlisted YouTube guitarist Ben Eller.
Mastodon played first show without Brent Hinds; YouTuber Ben Eller in his place (video)
There’s been no word on whether Eller is Mastodon’s new singer/guitarist or not, but they’ve got a little time — their tour with Coheed & Cambria kicks off right after they play the Sonic Temple festival on May 9. All tour dates are listed below.
Setlist + Video – Mastodon Play First Show Without Brent Hinds, Reveal Fill-in Guitarist
Mastodon played their first show since parting ways with longtime guitarist Brent Hinds, utilizing the services of YouTuber Ben Eller. It was a high profile set at Tool‘s Live in the Sand Festival where Eller made his live debut with the veteran prog group.
Who is Ben Eller? What we know about the guitarist who performed with Mastodon after Brent Hinds' exit
After guitarist Brent Hinds’ exit from the heavy metal band, Mastodon, they were joined by Ben Eller. On March 9, 2025, Eller performed with the band at Tool’s Tool in The Sand Festival.
Mastodon recruit YouTuber for first show following Brent Hinds’ shock departure
The band mutually parted ways with their founding guitarist just days before they were due to play at the Tool in the Sand festival – and it seems the YouTuber wasn’t given much time to learn the mate
Mastodon Play First Show After Split With Co-Founder Brent Hinds
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.
Ben Eller makes Mastodon debut after Brent Hinds’ exit – but what’s next for the prog-metal titans?
Hinds is out. Eller is in for now. Brann Dailor has a black eye. Palace intrigue notwithstanding, “all 2025 touring plans ...
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YouTube Guitarist Ben Eller on Performing with Mastodon: “To Play Alongside the Band Is a TRUE Honor”
YouTube guitarist Ben Eller called it a true "honor" to perform alongside Mastodon during the band's set at Tool's music festival. Read more.
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Fill-in Mastodon guitarist Ben Eller reflects on first show: ‘It was a joy’
Mastodon played their first show without founding guitarist Brent Hinds on Sunday during Tool's Live in the Sand destination festival, recruiting guitarist Ben ...