Brent Hinds targets former Mastodon bandmates on Instagram
Brent Hinds publicly aired his dissatisfaction with his former band, Mastodon, shedding light on his feelings following his departure this past March. In a surprising turn of events, Hinds responded to a fan’s comment on Mastodon’s Instagram post commemorating the 11th anniversary of their 2014 album, Once More ‘Round the Sun. The fan nostalgically longed for the track “Halloween” and expressed missing Hinds. In a bold statement, the guitarist fired back, stating, “I want miss being in a shit band with horrible humans.”
Having been a part of Mastodon since its inception in 2000, Hinds played a significant role in the band, contributing lead guitar and vocals across eight studio albums. Notably, he was part of their most recent release, Hushed and Grim, in 2021. While it seems that Hinds may have meant “won’t miss” instead of “want miss,” the underlying sentiment is evident. Seemingly prepared to turn the page, Hinds has been actively promoting a new upcoming solo show through his personal Instagram account.
This incident sheds light on the often unseen tensions within bands and highlights the challenging dynamics that can develop between band members over time. Despite their musical success, personal conflicts can ultimately lead to rifts and separations, as seen in Hinds’ departure from Mastodon. It serves as a reminder that beyond the music and performances, bands are comprised of individuals with personal emotions and relationships that can sometimes falter under the pressures of creativity and collaboration.
Hinds’ choice to distance himself from his past bandmates and label them as “horrible humans” speaks to a deeper discord within Mastodon that likely contributed to his decision to leave. His willingness to publicize these feelings hints at a desire to express his truth and find closure after parting ways with the band. The public nature of social media provides a platform for artists to share their thoughts and feelings directly with fans, as seen in this exchange on Mastodon’s Instagram post.
As fans and observers, it’s essential to remember that what we see on social media only offers a glimpse into the realities of a band’s dynamics. Behind the scenes, there can be a plethora of complexities and conflicts that shape the relationships between band members. Brent Hinds’ comments serve as a reminder of the fragility of artistic collaborations and the impact of personal dynamics on creative partnerships. While his departure from Mastodon may mark the end of an era, it also signals a new chapter in his musical journey as he prepares to embark on a solo venture.