Accordionist Leaves Flogging Molly

Matt Hensley, accordionist for the punk/Irish band Flogging Molly, announced today that he’s leaving the band to spend more time with his family. Matt, a professional skateboarder, will probably also spend more time at Innes Clothing, the skateboarding clothing company he founded with his brother in 1996. From his farewell letter to the band’s fans:

“I would have never thought that playing the accordion, an instrument that almost got me shot when I first was learning, would have led me down a road to Molly Malone’s, Dave King, and an extended family called Flogging Molly. I have been blessed to be so lucky.”

Flogging Molly starts a month-long tour on February 22nd; no word yet on whether they’ll be replacing Matt anytime soon.

6 Comments:

  1. well, that freakin’ sucks! they’re gonna have a hard time repalcing a good accordionist like matt hensley.

  2. Tis’ rather depressin’ it just wont sound the same without him..but i guess we’ll have to get along..

  3. Yeah, he’s a big part of their sound. I’m interested to see if/how they replace him.

  4. HE’S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. HELL YEAH!!!!!! HE’S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. he cited that his 8 year old is growing up and he wanted to spend time with him when he left that band.

    what changed? he’s probably 9 now…is he no longer growing up?

    i’ve met matt a few times and he’s a great guy but, given his reasons for leaving i’m just wondering why he changed his mind.