During a recent interview with Guitar World, Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher didn’t explain the whole “why” thing, he looked back on the quarter century of the band’s time with Hinds. But ultimately, he said it was time for the change to happen.

On Sunday, March 9, Mastodon played their first show since Hinds’ departure, with Youtuber Ben Eller filling in. Afterwards, Eller took to Instagram to express his gratitude at playing the gig, which took place at Tool’s Live In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic.

Coming off the heels of Mastodon’s recent TOOL Live in the Sand performance — the group's first show since splitting with co-founding guitarist Brent Hinds — remaining six-stringer Bill Kelliher has spoken on the surprise departure of his now-former bandmate,

While the details are slim, Mastodon have just revealed that they've split with co-founding guitarist Brent Hinds. The iconic Atlantan metal group revealed the surprising news over socials today (March 7th),

"We're deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we've shared," the band announced Friday.

Mastodon are expected to release the follow-up to 2021’s Hushed and Grim at some point this year, and have an extensive tour with Coheed and Cambria beginning May 10 in Salem, Va. The group will also be on hand for the final Black Sabbath concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England.

"We're deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we've shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors," band says in statement

Mastodon and co-founding guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds revealed they’d parted ways after 25 years. Guitar World has now spoken with Mastodon’s remaining guitar player, Bill Kelliher, about the move.