Mastodon should be doing a victory lap celebrating the release of their magnificent new record Hushed and Grim, a wonderous sprawling double album paying tribute to their late manager Nick John.
Instead, the band is having to put out spot fires after lead guitarist Brent Hinds used a homophobic slur in a recent interview whilst commenting on his disdain for touring with Disturbed.
While doing the press rounds earlier in the week, Hinds was asked about the early days of the band, and described the experience of touring with the radio metal phenomenons as “g** ass shit.”
Understandably a few feathers were ruffled by Hinds’ unnecessary comment, with Metal Riot proprietor, queer metal community spokesman, and longtime Mastodon fan Morgan Y Evans calling out the comment.
The band thankfully has been quick to apologise, with a statement posted on Instagram.
“This really bums me out. I’m very sorry I hurt your feelings or anyone else’s, that is never my intention,” read the post.
“We want our LGBTQ fans to feel safe listening to our music and coming to see us live. We also have no ill will towards Disturbed, they were always super cool to us on the Mayhem tour.
“I think that interviewer might have caught Brent on a bad day. Sorry for upsetting you or anyone else, we appreciate you and all of our fans very much.”
Reports indicate the person posting was drummer Brann Dailor, the bands’ spokesman in many interviews.
Brann also reportedly had a private exchange with Evans, in which he noted that “I have no control over Brent.”
Check out the exchange in the comments on the bands’ Instagram post below, in which Dailor is dressed as Judas Priest frontman (and queer advocate) Rob Halford for Halloween.
“[The apology] at least shows the other dudes in [the] band don’t want to think they are green-lighting their non-lgbtq fans to normalize ‘GAY’ as an insult,” said Evans.
“That makes a teachable moment. I certainly feel more seen as a result.”
