Boyd Tinsley was, and remains, one of the most famous violinists in rock. You'd be hard-pressed to name many other violinists in the genre, let alone one that played such a crucial role in the sound of a commercially successful band.
Tinsley played with Dave Matthews Band during its inception in 1991, but he wasn't made an official member until 1992. He violin and mandolin for the band, which quickly made a name for itself due to its musical versatility. Dave Matthews Band broke out in a major way with their 1994 debut, Under the Table and Dreaming.
The album would eventually be certified six times platinum, and Tinsley played on every song. He continued to be one of the band's most recognizable figures throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century. Hes played on all ten Dave Matthews Band studio albums and all 14 live albums.
Boyd Tinsley exited the band in 2018
Trouble arose in the 2010s, however. Boyd Tinsley was forced to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in 2014, which sidelined him for multiple shows. The surgery proved successful, but 2018 marked the end of his time with the band.
The violinist announced he was taking a leave of absence from the band on February 3, 2018. Hours later, former Crystal Garden band member James Frost-Winn issued a statement accusing Tinsley of sexual harassment. Frost-Winn claimed the violinist harassed her over the course of a year, and filed a lawsuit against him soon after.
Boyd Tinsley claimed the allegations were "one-sided," but ultimately decided to settle out of court with Frost-Winn in June 2019. Dave Matthews Band parted ways with the violinist as soon as the suit was made public.
Tinsley's personal life derailed his career
The other members of the band issued a statement expressing their shock. They did not condemn Tinsley, dubbing him a "member of the family since the band began," and "sending positive thoughts his way," but they made it clear that they would no longer be working together.
Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Tinsley was not invited, but the band's frontman, Dave Matthews, made a point of shouting him out by name during his acceptance speech. "Boyd Tinsley, wherever you are, we hope you’re finding the happiness you seek," he said.
Tinsley has not released music since his exit from Dave Matthews Band. He's kept a relatively low profile, with the lone exception being a DUI arrest that took place in June. 29 News reported that the violinist was pulled over in Albemarle County, Virginia, and subsequently taken to the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.