Mastodon’s guitarist, Bill Kelliher, recently shared his thoughts on the significant departure of his fellow guitarist and vocalist, Brent Hinds, who has been a pivotal member of the band for an impressive 25 years. This announcement has resonated deeply within the metal community, reflecting on the band’s remarkable journey.

During an interview with Guitar World, Kelliher reflected on the legacy of their first quarter-century together, saying, “What can you say about the legacy of Mastodon’s first 25 years with Brent?” He acknowledged the incredible journey they’ve shared, stating, “It’s been a fun, wild fucking ride, that’s for sure. We achieved a lot of things that I never in a million years would have imagined.” He highlighted their milestones, including Grammys and touring alongside iconic bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead, and Tool, expressing deep gratitude for these experiences.

Kelliher further elaborated on the nature of change, likening their relationship to a marriage. “Sometimes people grow apart and they get interested in other things. We wish nothing but the best for Brent in chasing his dreams.” This sentiment underscores the respect and camaraderie that has characterized their time together.

Last week, Mastodon officially announced that they and Hinds had “mutually decided to part ways,” emphasizing their pride and gratitude for the impactful music and history they created together. They expressed heartfelt wishes for Hinds, hoping for his success and happiness in all his future endeavors, marking the end of an era for the band.

Without wasting time, the legendary Atlanta metal outfit quickly returned to the stage, performing at Tool’s Live in the Sand Festival last weekend, featuring Ben Eller, a well-known YouTuber, as their fill-in guitarist. This performance demonstrated their resilience and commitment to their fans, showcasing their ability to adapt during this transitional phase.

READ MORE: Who Is Ben Eller, the New Mastodon Fill-In Guitarist?

Bill Kelliher Celebrates the Original Lineup’s 25-Year Journey

Kelliher expressed his amazement at the original lineup’s success over the past 25 years, which resulted in a catalog of eight studio albums. He remarked, “You know, it’s amazing that we made it 25 years with the four of us,” reflecting on the challenges and joys of being in a band. “I mean, it’s like being married to three other dudes, traveling the world, trying to stay the course and having everybody agree.” This unique dynamic has contributed to their distinct sound and artistic identity.

He continued, “That we managed to do it this long, I feel like that’s a feat in itself. You could never replace any of us because we [are the] sum of four parts.” Kelliher’s words highlight the importance of collaboration and the bond they formed as musicians and friends, emphasizing the chemistry that has defined their music.

While celebrating their past, Kelliher also expressed optimism for Mastodon’s future. “That doesn’t mean there’s not someone else out there that has stuff to offer in a new direction,” he hinted. “I think I’ll just leave it there, you know? It was a hard decision we all had to make. It’s just … it was just time.” This forward-looking perspective suggests the band is open to new possibilities while cherishing their legacy.

Mastodon is set to embark on an exciting U.S. co-headlining tour with Coheed and Cambria in May, featuring support from Periphery. Kelliher also shared with Guitar World last year that the band is actively working on a follow-up to their acclaimed 2021 album, Hushed and Grim, promising fans more innovative music on the horizon.

For now, Kelliher expressed that he and his bandmates “look forward to a new chapter of Mastodon,” indicating their readiness to embrace change and evolution as they continue their musical journey.