High on Fire Drummer Des Kensel Is Leaving the Band

Founding High on Fire drummer Des Kensel is stepping down from his longtime role in the band.

The drummer made the sudden announcement late last night (July 25), informing fans he will be exiting the band after playing with the group for more than two decades.

"After eight albums, countless tours, and a Grammy win, I am very thankful for what we have been able to accomplish as a band," Kensel wrote on Instagram. "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."

See his post below.
 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. #highonfire #deskensel #highonfireband

A post shared by Desmond Kensel (@deskensel) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:56pm PDT

The timing of the departure couldn't be worse. Just the other day, High on Fire announced a North American tour with Power Trip. At this point, the tour is still schedule to kick off in November.

The news also comes after High on Fire recently cancelled a pair of tours in a span of three months.

As of press time, High on Fire have not issued a statement regarding Kensel's departure, but the band did repost his announcement on their Facebook page.