How did Mastodon honor Brent Hinds at their first show since his death?

Mastodon is paying their respects to their late bandmate and co-founder, Brent Hinds.

Billboard has reported that the heavy metal band honored the guitarist during their performance at the Alaska State Fair, which was a part of the ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series. The event was held at the Borealis Theatre in Palmer, Alaska, on Friday, August 22.

At the end of their performance, Brann Dailor, the drummer and vocalist, drew closer to the front of the stage to reflect on Hinds' legacy. The latter, who helped found the band over 25 years ago, died earlier that week at the age of 51, having succumbed to his injuries from a motorcycle accident in Atlanta.

“We lost somebody very special to us yesterday,” Dailor said. "Brent Hinds, 25 years with us as our guitar player, one of the most creative, beautiful people that we’ve ever come across in this world, tragically left us. Very, very unfortunate. We loved him so, so, so very much. We had the ups and downs of a 25-year relationship."

He continued,

"It's not always perfect, it’s not always amazing, but we were brothers to the end. And we really loved each other and we made a lot, a lot of very beautiful music together. And I think that that’s gonna stand the test of time, evidenced by you people here tonight.”

Everything we know about Brent Hinds' departure from Mastodon:

Guitar World has reported that Brent Hinds parted with his band in March, and rumors were rampant about the same at the time. Rumors suggested that he was forced to leave, with Ben Eller stepping in his stead at the Tool in the Sand festival instead. Now, Nick Johnston, a prog fusion maestro, has taken Hinds' place.

According to Billboard, the band initially alleged that the decision was mutual, though Brent Hinds claimed to have been "kicked out." During his speech, however, Dailor reflected on the group's bond with Hinds. Visibly emotional, he said:

“So we will continue to play Brent’s beautiful, beautiful music that he helped us make, that we formed this band together and traveled the world together, slept in a van together, laid our heads down on beds of f—king kitty litter, got way too drunk to remember anything the next day about a thousand, million times over and over again with the love that we shared and the beauty, all the audiences that we played, for all the stages we stepped on."

He concluded,

“I don’t know. We’re just at a loss for words. We’re absolutely devastated and crushed to lose him and to be able to never have him back again. But you guys made it okay for us to come on stage and do this tonight. So that was for f—king Brent, okay? Thank you guys so much. We will see you real soon.”

Brent Hinds co-founded the band back in 2000, with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and Dailor. Over the years, the band released several albums, nine of which have fared well on the Billboard 200, including The Hunter (2011), Once More ’Round the Sun (2014), and Emperor of Sand (2017).

In the wake of his demise, the band also took to its official Instagram account to issue a statement:

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… Last night, Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” they wrote. “We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we kindly ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time.”

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