Mastodon are pushing back against several claims brought forward in a lawsuit filed by the estate of their late former guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, recently submitting a memorandum seeking the partial dismissal of the complaint.
The legal dispute first became public knowledge this past September, when Hinds’ estate filed suit against the band over several matters involving his former business interests in the group. Among the allegations were disagreements surrounding the accounting of Hinds’ reported 25% ownership stake in Mastodon’s business interests, the alleged unauthorized use of his likeness on the ‘Marrow Deep’ album artwork, and whether the estate is entitled to additional compensation.
According to a new report from Rolling Stone, Billy Hinds, Brent’s father, filed the lawsuit on behalf of his late son’s estate. The band’s latest legal response was submitted on Monday, November 2nd, with Mastodon challenging several aspects of the complaint.
One of the central points of contention involves an alleged $80,000 buyout offer made by Mastodon’s camp for Hinds’ interests in the group. The estate reportedly declined that proposal, seeking a complete accounting of the relevant business interests before considering any potential agreement.
Mastodon have also disputed the estate’s position regarding compensation for the use of Hinds’ likeness on the ‘Marrow Deep’ artwork. Their legal filing further argues that the individual members should not be held personally liable for the claims, given that the band operates through a limited liability company.
The memorandum additionally challenges the suggestion that Mastodon were obligated to purchase Hinds’ business interests, while disputing the estate’s ability to independently establish a value for a potential buyout.
Another contested allegation concerns whether the band improperly assumed control of Hinds’ business interests following his departure. In addressing that claim, Mastodon’s legal representatives argued:
“While the Estate alleges that [Mastodon] purported to redeem those interests and refused to recognize its rights, there is no allegation that [Mastodon] seized, transferred, or withheld any stock certificates or other documents embodying Hinds’s interests.”
The dispute also dates back to Hinds’ departure from Mastodon in early 2025. Although he was no longer part of the group, questions surrounding his ownership interests reportedly remained unresolved when he tragically died in a motorcycle accident on August 20th, 2025.
Mastodon publicly addressed their decision to part ways with Hinds in July 2026, citing alleged struggles with substance abuse and his diminishing involvement in the band’s activities behind the scenes.
Following the lawsuit’s initial filing, Mastodon’s camp characterized the allegations as “meritless,” while Hinds’ estate issued its own public response defending the legal action.
The latest memorandum represents the band’s effort to have portions of the estate’s complaint dismissed. The underlying legal dispute over Hinds’ business interests and the estate’s claims remains ongoing.
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