Ben Eller Calls Getting to Fill In for Mastodon a “True Honor”
Over this past weekend, Mastodon had two shows to play and Brent Hinds had just quit the band after 25 years. What happened next likely changed the life of a YouTuber forever, as they opted to get Ben Eller to fill in the vacancy. Whether that was for a permanent spot or just as a fill-in until a better solution was found is still to be determined, but it happened and you can’t take that away from Eller.
In a social media post thanking friends, family, and loved ones, Eller reflected on that wild ride, basically stating that the experience was everything he’d hoped for.
“Get into it!. 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. 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. Thank you all, and thank you to Bill dddKelliher, 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!”
That has got to be one of the coolest experiences as a fan. Now with the band facing a tour with Periphery and Coheed and Cambria starting this May, it’ll be interesting to see if Mastodon keeps Ellers around for that run of dates. You can find the list of shows below.
5/10 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
5/11 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
5/13 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
5/15 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
5/16 Charleston, SC Firefly Distillery
5/17 Augusta, GA William B Bell Auditorium (no Mastodon)
5/19 Estero, FL Hertz Arena
5/21 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
5/22 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
5/24 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome
5/25 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
5/26 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
5/28 Portland, ME Cross Insurance Arena
5/30 Syracuse, NY Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
5/31 Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
6/1 Youngstown, OH Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
6/3 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
6/4 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center Arena
6/6 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
6/7 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
6/8 Waukee, IA Vibrant Music Hall
