Guitar virtuoso Ben Eller has shared his thoughts about performing with Mastodon at the Tool Live In The Sane festival through an Instagram statement. He stepped in as a replacement following Brent Hinds’ departure from the band.
“What an incredible weekend playing with Mastodon as a part of Tool Live In The Sane. You guys who have followed me for a while know how much I love this music, so to be asked to play alongside the band is a true honor,” Eller stated. “I’ve seen your kind and supportive words for me out there, and it means the world to me!”
“My inbox is so stuffed, there’s no way I can respond to every single thing, but know how much I appreciate yall,” he continued. “Thank you all, and thank you to Bill Kelliher, Brann Dailor, and Troy for trusting me to get the job done. Playing the parts of one of my favorite guitarists ever is no easy task, but it was a joy. Cheers, everyone!”
Eller’s performance with Mastodon represents a significant milestone in his career. His deep connection with the band’s music and technical prowess were on full display.
Mastering The Material

Loudwire highlights Eller’s remarkable achievement in mastering 17 of Mastodon’s complex songs within a brief timeframe. Bassist Troy Sanders acknowledged this accomplishment during the festival.
The guitarist demonstrated his thorough understanding of Mastodon’s intricate musical style through meticulous preparation.
Previous Connection To Mastodon

Bio Glimpse notes Eller’s longstanding dedication to studying Mastodon’s music. He has created extensive educational content about their unique guitar techniques.
His YouTube channel features in-depth analyses of Mastodon’s music. He has particularly focused on breaking down their album ‘Leviathan’ in detail.
Educational Impact

Soap Central emphasizes Eller’s valuable contributions to the guitar community through his Mastodon-focused educational content.
His series ‘What I Learned From Mastodon’ serves as an essential resource for guitarists studying the band’s distinctive sound. This background made him an ideal candidate for the temporary position.