While the Dave Matthews Band will be resuming touring operations this May after a hiatus in 2017, it appears longtime violinist Boyd Tinsley will not be part of the DMB equation for the time being.
In a series of posts yesterday, Tinsley announced that he had been “wrestling with a decision” regarding his career and decided he needs to take a break from the touring with the band to focus on his family and his health. You can read the series of posts below via Tinsley’s Twitter:
I have an announcement to make.
— Boyd Tinsley (@bt_dmb) February 3, 2018
Sorry I have been away for awhile. I’ve been wrestling with a decision. Before I talk about me I hope that all are well and sending extra love to those who are in need. #muchLove
— Boyd Tinsley (@bt_dmb) February 3, 2018
I need to take a break from the band & touring 2 focus on my family & my health 4 a while. I will miss you guys & my brothers in the band but I’m somewhat worn out & need 2 spend more time with my family & 2 bring more balance to my life. Thanks 4 ur Love. #peaceandLoVE
— Boyd Tinsley (@bt_dmb) February 3, 2018
Boyd Tinsley has been a Dave Matthews Band mainstay for more than a quarter of a century, first joining the band as a featured guest on an early demo for “Tripping Billies” in 1991 before signing on full-time in April of 1992 ahead of their 1993 debut, Remember Two Things. In addition to violin and some backup vocals, Tinsley has been a key contributor to the band’s songwriting process and has co-writing credits for several of the band’s songs, including “So Much To Say”, the band’s only GRAMMY-winner.
As of the time of publication, the band has yet to comment on Tinsley’s announcement. It remains unclear how this new development will affect the band’s scheduled tour and, more immediately, their pre-Super Bowl performance in St. Paul this evening, “The Night Before.”
[Cover photo: Rodrigo Simas/Dave Matthews Band Instagram]