Dave Matthews Gives Nod to Former Bandmate Boyd Tinsley at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction After Violinist's Legal Troubles

Mar. 15, 2025

Dave Matthews and Boyd Tinsley.

Dave Matthewsoffered a rare shout-out to his namesake band’s former violin player Boyd Tinsley as the Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, years after Tinsley wasremoved from the groupamid legal trouble.

Tinsley, 60, was included in the line-up of Dave Matthews Band inductees on Oct. 19, despite the fact that he has not been a member since 2018.

As he rattled off a list of people he wanted to thank, Matthews, 57, noted that Tinsley was “not here, obviously,” but that he hoped he was doing well.

“Boyd Tinsley, wherever you are, we hope you’re finding the happiness you seek,” Matthews said.

Dave Matthews speaking at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on Oct. 19.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Former Crystal Garden trumpet player James Frost-Winn sued Tinsley that year, claiming that from 2015 to 2016, he faced “sexually predatory harassment” from the musician. Just before the allegations became public, Tinsley, a father of two, announced on social media that he was taking “a break” from touring and from the Dave Matthews Band to “focus on my family & my health.”

Once the suit became public, a rep for the band confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement that Tinsley was “no longer a member of the band.”

The day after the suit was filed, Tinsley released a statement maintaining his innocence.

Dave Matthews performing in November 2023.Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage

Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage

“I will defend myself against these false accusations,” he said. “These accusations have caused embarrassment for my family, my friends and my fans. I will fight both in and out of court to repair the damage that has been done.”

Then in June 2024, Tinsley was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he crashed his car in Rio, Va., according toBillboardciting Albemarle County Police Department andTMZ. A hearing was reportedly set to take place earlier this month.

source: people.com