Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor recently opened up about the complicated legacy of his relationship with late guitarist Brent Hinds, who passed away nearly a year ago. Dailor discussed how the band continues to honor Hinds’ contributions while grappling with the unresolved feud that existed before his death.
“I think most people, if you existed in close quarters with somebody for many, many years, and they pass, you see them out of the corner of your eye,” Dailor said. “Your eye plays tricks on you, and for a second, you go, ‘Oh,’ and then you remember that they’re gone.”
Dailor expressed regret over the timing of Hinds’ passing. The band had hoped to reconcile their differences. “We had some turmoil before he passed, and so it’s the worst-case scenario, really,” he explained. “Because I think that all of us really thought that we’d take a breather here, and at some point down the road, we’ll get back together.”
Despite the unresolved conflict, Dailor emphasized the deep bond forged through decades of collaboration. “We’re brothers. We’re family. It’s 26 years of touring the world, playing all over the place, living in a bus with each other,” he said. Performing Hinds’ compositions, including “Megalodon” and “Crack The Skye,” now fills him with gratitude rather than regret.
The weight of these songs carries particular significance for Dailor. His personal history is intertwined with the band’s most iconic work. The album “Crack the Skye,” released in 2008, holds deep meaning beyond its musical achievements. The title serves as a tribute to his sister Skye Dailor, who died by suicide at age 14. This personal connection transforms the act of performing these compositions into something far more profound than a simple musical obligation.
Playing these songs becomes an act of remembrance on multiple levels for Dailor. The gratitude he now feels when performing Hinds’ riffs and compositions reflects his appreciation for the guitarist’s creative contributions. It also acknowledges the broader context of loss that has shaped the band’s journey. The unresolved nature of his relationship with Hinds adds another layer of complexity to this emotional landscape. Each performance becomes a moment of reflection on both the creative partnership and the human connection that defined their 26-year history together.
The band’s current tour has become a vehicle for honoring both Hinds’ legacy and the artistic vision they built together. By continuing to perform songs like “Your Ghost Again” from their new album alongside Hinds’ classic compositions, Mastodon ensures that his influence remains central to their live performances. This approach allows the band to process their grief while celebrating the remarkable body of work they created during their time together.
