Bill Kelliher
Latest about Bill Kelliher

Mastodon recruit prog fusion virtuoso Nick Johnston as surprise new stand-in guitarist
By Phil Weller published
The Canadian instrumentalist – known for his rock and fusion chops – has linked up with Bill Kelliher and co for the start of Mastodon's 2025 Infinite Arc tour

Brent Hinds plays first show since leaving Mastodon – and he has plenty more lined up
By Phil Weller published
Since departing the metal giants after 25 years, Hinds has already taken to the stage with his “psychobilly surf” outfit – and three of his bands will play the same show in April

Brent Hinds’ exit left Mastodon at a crossroads. But for Bill Kelliher, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new guitar wingman
By Andrew Daly published
After 25 years, the metal heroes are without a lead guitarist. In his first interview since the split, Kelliher reveals what went down – and what he’s looking for from a new six-string partner in crime

Ben Eller was wary of the reaction he’d get for stepping in for Brent Hinds in Mastodon – but that didn’t stop him saying yes
By Phil Weller published
The Youtuber and Mastodon mega-fan stepped in at the last minute for the band’s Tool Live in the Sand set, even if it risked dividing the fanbase

Bill Kelliher is searching far and wide for Mastodon's next guitarist – here's what the band are looking for
By Matt Owen published
Esteemed YouTuber and Mastodon mega-fan Ben Eller was drafted in last minute following Brent Hinds' surprise exit, but the search for a permanent successor is far from over

Bill Kelliher opens up on Brent Hinds’ surprise Mastodon departure
By Phil Weller published
News of Hinds’ shock exit was shared just days before the band’s set at the Tool in the Sand festival

Mastodon recruit YouTuber for first show following Brent Hinds’ shock departure
By Phil Weller published
The band mutually parted ways with their founding guitarist just days before they were due to play at the Tool in the Sand festival – and it seems the YouTuber wasn’t given much time to learn the material

Bill Kelliher and Mark Morton on how Leviathan and Ashes of the Wake changed everything
By Gregory Adams published
With two classic albums, both released on the same day, Lamb of God and Mastodon's fates have long been connected and now they're touring together, Kelliher and Morton reflect on a turning point for both bands

Mastodon's Bill Kelliher on how meeting his guitar heroes pushed him to improve his craft
By Janelle Borg published
Mastodon's Bill Kelliher also credits Slayer's Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman for changing his previously nonchalant attitude to warming up before a show

“It’s heavy, thick and unique. It feels great, and the neck is incredible. And it’s heavy; but that’s okay because the weight of a guitar is very important to me. The thicker the better”: If you pick up Bill Kelliher’s new ESP guitar, you’ll know about it
By Andrew Daly published
The Mastodon guitarist – who aims to write simpler songs for the band's next album – had his favorite 9-string mapped and mutated into the LTD Silver Sunburst Royal Shiva
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!