Overview

• Mastodon announced the mutual departure of founding guitarist Brent Hinds on March 7, ending a 25-year collaboration.
• Ben Eller, a YouTuber and session musician with over 507,000 subscribers, was recruited to perform with the band on short notice at the Tool Live in the Sand festival on March 9.
• Eller, a longtime Mastodon fan, showcased his familiarity with their music, having previously created YouTube content analyzing the band's work.
• During the festival, Eller performed 17 songs, including guitar solos and backing vocals, impressing fans and earning praise from Mastodon members.
• It remains unclear whether Eller will become a permanent member of Mastodon, as the band has not made an official announcement regarding his future role.