Mastodon Brings New Lineup to Cleveland Agora
The band showcased material from their latest album, Marrow Deep, during a near two-hour set in Ohio.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Metal
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Mastodon delivered an 18-song performance at The Agora in Cleveland featuring new band members and material from their August 2026 release, Marrow Deep. The show highlighted the group's evolving sound following major personnel changes.
Why it matters
The performance served as a critical showcase for the bands revitalized lineup and newest musical direction following the loss of founding guitarist Bret Hinds. It marks a significant transition period for the veteran metal group as they integrate new members and perform songs formerly led by Hinds.
Mastodon has released 9 studio albums over a 26-year career. The recent Cleveland concert featured an 18-song setlist lasting nearly 2 hours and included an appearance by their 12-foot band mascot, Cysquatch.
The players
Mastodon
This heavy metal band from Atlanta has been a significant force in the genre for over two decades.
John Baizley
He is the lead singer of the band Baroness and appeared as a guest vocalist during the Cleveland show.
Nick Johnston
He has joined the group as the new band guitarist.
João Nogueira
He is the newest official band member and serves as the groups keyboardist.
Cysquatch
This 12-foot tall figure serves as the official band mascot and appeared on stage during the performance.
The details
The show utilized a visually immersive setup, featuring an LED screen backdrop and three risers equipped with integrated LED screens. Guest vocalist John Baizley joined the ensemble to perform songs originally sung by Bret Hinds, who parted ways with the band in May 2025 before his death later that year.
Timeline
May 2025: Mastodon parted ways with guitarist Bret Hinds.
Late 2025: Bret Hinds died in a motorcycle accident.
August 2026: Mastodon released the album Marrow Deep.
October 20, 2026: Mastodon performed a concert at The Agora in Cleveland.
Industry Dynamics
The transition following the 2025 departure and subsequent death of Bret Hinds forces a band to restructure its creative workflow and touring strategy to preserve its sonic identity. This live set reflects a pivotal moment where a veteran act must balance legacy material with new personnel.
Fans attending the show experienced a new live iteration of the band that relies on guest vocalists to cover portions of their existing catalog. Attendees should expect updated setlist dynamics as the group continues to integrate new members into their established stage production.
The takeaway
The addition of new band members and the integration of guest vocalists shows how established acts sustain their touring careers after major personnel shifts. Listeners can anticipate a different vocal and instrumental balance as the group evolves into this next chapter of their career.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
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