HIGH ON FIRE Founding Member Des Kensel Leaves Band After 21 Years

High on Fire drummer and founding member Des Kensel has announced he is leaving the band. Kensel’s reasoning seems to be tied to the difficulties being in a band full time, as he cites spending time with his family as one of his reasons. His full statement can be found below:
“As a founding member of High On Fire, I feel blessed to have spent the last 21 years traveling around the world pursuing my childhood dream to write and play music. After eight albums, countless tours, and a Grammy win, I am very thankful for what we have been able to accomplish as a band.
Being a full time professional musician can have its challenges. One gets through those challenges with patience, hard work and perseverance. After much consideration, it is time for me to announce that I will no longer be performing with High On Fire. I will now be focusing on new opportunities and spending time with my family.
I would like to sincerely thank all of our fans for your support throughout the years. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
Lastly, I would like to wish my band-mates the best of luck in the future.
Des Kensel.”