Matt Hensley on Skateboarding and Joining Flogging Molly - Hand In Hand (Part 2 of 2)

This week's Hand In Hand features legendary skateboarder and Flogging Molly band member, Matt Hensley. Matt discusses how skateboarding ultimately led him to being a member of Flogging Molly and what the band means to him, his family, and those he's met along the way.
Watch every other Thursday as Hand In Hand showcases your favorite musicians and artists who have influenced, and are inspired by, skateboarding.
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[@borisvonpoopinstank]

Those H-Street videos changed my life when I was a kid. As a musician and skater, this video makes me smile. Good work Matt. Glad to see that you're also an intelligent and sensitive person. Thanks

[@ejr1636]

Matt came from a very vital/special era in skating. He owned it. Didn't want too. Didn't mean too. He was just skating to best of his ability. He fucking owned it!

[@reidellis1988]

I have always admired Matt for being an incredible skateboarder. Now I admire him for just being an incredible human being. A whole new level of respect. Thanks Matt, for your Saran wraps, backside flips, great music, and being a truly good human being. Inspirational!

[@brianbarnett3555]

Reid Ellis you summed up exactly what I was going to post, well said

[@nodaksickboy3505]

Had the privlage to meet him last night after the flogging molly show in minniapolis. Hes one of the reasons ive skated for almost 30 years. Got a guiness from him during the show! gave me a setlist and also signed my old school h street hensly tattoo. One of the nicest guys ive ever met. Thank you Matt

[@theworldisastageexitright4288]

He's hella cool.I went to school with him.

[@philturner5553]

Skateboarding saved my life Matt Hensley is definitely one of my top 5 favorite skaters of all time. I am 37 and still sneak over to the skatepark on lunch breaks. Matt,Matt,Matt Hensley

[@vivalabrandonm]

This is totally my childhood skateboarding hero! So stoked to see him doing well. Bucket list- Have a pint with this guy at his pub.

[@bmdouble]

I had plenty of Matt Hensley posters on my wall and loved all of H-street videos and always wondered what happened to Matt. It's good to see he's got his shit together as a father and artist.

[@deomeslives]

mad respect and love for Hensley!💯❤️🤙🏽🛹

[@ThePixelatedPersona]

Made me cry, you are awesome Matt.

[@RockinGemz]

Man, Just seeing my H-Street idol from back in the day, nothing but beautiful memories.

[@oginla5887]

"skateboarding has given me everything" words you have to feel to know, you have been an inspiration. H-street, yeah matt ! thank you.

[@TheNimasan]

My fav skater bar none! There is no skater in this world who has such a tremendous style like Hensley. GOD bless him and his family. Much love and support from Munich/Germany.

[@TheNimasan]

my favorite skater of all time. i grew up with films such as hokus pokus and shackle me not and i always loved his style. somehow i was thinking about him today, so i youtubed him and found this 2 great videos. he is an amazing person, too! may god bless him and his family. much love from munich/germany

[@marvinshenk]

Definitely one of my favorite skaters ever, and seems like one of the coolest guys you could ever meet.

[@sk8rpunk757]

This just changed my life, I was litterally raised on punk bands such as sublime, NoFX, pennywise, bad religion, and of course flogging molly, me and my whole family enjoy this band together in all occasions it's like a bonding experience to us and to see the story and how it is related to skateboarding which is something else I've been raised on is life changing and absolutely amazing to me

[@ruiserrao]

Thank you Matt, you´ve been a great Inspiration to me!!! Roll Forever

[@chillende]

Dude is solid no matter what he does.

[@M1GZilla]

Matt and H-Street, Hokus Pokus. Thank you.

[@einc70]

very humbling to see his life change for the better... for sure his presence in skateboarding will never be forgotten... thanks to ride channel for this... we need to hear more about these guys...

[@DarkSideOfTheBrightSide]

This inspired me to no end! Man,that was heartfelt.. Much love to Matt,a legend! True legend in life!

[@vespworks]

Awesome. My last pro board was a Matt Hensley King deck. I admire Matt for being an icon of skateboarding AND music. A true artist.

[@TheXitone]

+vespworks yea me too man

[@KINGKVNE]

I damn near liked everybody's comment. The love for Matt Hensley is real though....he raised and inspired a lot of us. Still does. Peace.

[@zacharybaranek9492]

Hensley and Mullen... all heart, all pure, my favorite skaters along with (believe it or not) Lance Mountain. Underdogs who fight for their small piece of talent AND gifted naturals who (also work hard at their craft) AND don't relate to the bullshit, corporate, ass-kissing, etc. nonsense are ultimately the most inspiring for me, personally. Yes, I actually wrote: bullshit nonsense. Russo on keys, eh?!? Cool as fuck..

[@chadhoffman6769]

My three favorites too!!

[@jasongandar8208]

It’s a amazing story told by a legend in 2 industries. I remember seeing you back in the day at sessions in Chicago and was always blow away on how nice you were. God truly has blessed you in many ways. Keep up the great work and making people feel good about life through your music. And inspiring kids through your skateboarding.

[@kevinrogers12]

Matt was my favorite skater besides Danny Way. H-Street was the biggest influence on my skating. I was actually making a video to send to H-Street when I completely destroyed my right knee trying to be like Danny on a 10ft vert ramp. I just hope Matt understands that at that time he was like a movie star and alot of kids looked at him that way. I do have to say that the Hensley board with the stained glass was my favorite and I still roll around it occasionally when my knee can take it.

[@meyou-gi8xq]

My fave skater of all time! An inspiration.

[@Thurston86]

Yeah! Hensley stared down a gun without even knowing it crazy!!!

[@denbotrexwell]

This guy is a BEAST! Grew up watching him skate and listened to all their albums til I couldn't move...Love you MATT!

[@BonsterBar]

You inspire me Matt. Keep being yourself brother.

[@HKtheDestroyer]

When you skated back in that era - you kind of remember every deck that you skated until it broke, the nose/tail got sharp, or you gave it away to some kid that had a setup that was through. Had the Hensley eagle, the street light, and the red cross. Didn't even ride that one because it hanging on mom's wall, still. He inspired people in the days of the video releases that made you go out and skate for the next two weeks solid because it motivated you. Things like that can't be repaid.

[@BrassknuckleRide]

Ahhh, Finally. Been waiting for this for too long. Great interview. Beutiful.

[@onefive0]

Rad video. Matt is a great guy. Definitely my favorite skater growing up. Went from watching this vid to Hokus Pokus HAHA

[@Royfokker73]

I can't think of another skater that had more influence on me, and my friends growing up. I think we were in like gr. 10 when Matt and H street were blowing up. There was magazine shot with mat in cargo shorts and a wallet chain. Everyone I knew was wearing a wallet chain within the next week and did so for years after that. We were actually hit hard when we watched not the next H street video and saw Hensley had quit. Just stunned. Never knew where he went after that until years later hearing he was in Flogging Molly. An influencer in all he does. You're the man Matt. Glad Mike T (RIP) snagged you from Vision that day.

[@PunkBloke666]

such a greate guy - his statements of realizing what you already and really have in your life are totally true!

[@radicalbro1]

I loved this guy's skating and style growing up. It's cool to find out, decades later, that he's an awesome person to boot.

[@Nieldnieldy]

matt man he is the man.im 45 and have just got back into skating my last decayers ago was a hensley which I snapped.

[@plasticvideo]

Wow, I had no idea, the most inspirational skater I was lucky enough to get a skate lesson from in 87' was in my backyard at Molly Malone's and in Flogging Molly all these years.

[@teahorseguitarstraps1856]

Skateboarding and music definitely go together! I made that transition as well, and found all the challenges and sense of accomplishment I felt in skating could also be found playing a guitar, and it didn't hurt my knees. Not to mention all the great music I first heard watching skate videos.

[@LumberJackJibber]

thanks for opening up, matt, and letting us all in...

[@DanRooster]

Matt has such an amazing presence. I must see this band live.

[@Lightningballz]

This guy is pure gold.

[@Airik1111bibles]

He is so right , I was one of those kids we seen our streets become a park...We all wanted parks but it didn't exist so street exploded. After seeing Nata's doing wall rides and nocomplys a switch went on and that was it !

[@cokesucks]

I met Matt years ago before a Flogging Molly show. He invited us on the bus and paid for our tickets. (guest list was full) He's one of the nicest dudes you could ever meet.

[@jeremiahowens9656]

Makes me think about the good old days ! Thanks Matt! Keep it real brother. Thanks for the memories!

[@amyevans1118]

Your beautiful accordion playing at the end of part 1 makes me feel as if I'm home in my beloved Armenia before the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Your Accordion sounds like what being beautiful must be and feel like.

[@ErgoCogita]

Damn right Matt. Sometimes it takes looking at things through a child's eyes to gain perspective.

[@triputt57078]

Matt is one of the nicest people you could possibly meet !!!!

[@TombomOfficial]

Matt, thanks for this interview. Super inspirational man, I feel everything you're saying! Art and skateboarding go hand in hand. We love you man.

[@ejr1636]

May God bless you Matt. My favorite skater of all time.

[@klauswigsmith]

Yeah, Matt!

[@podisracer]

he is the reason why i started skating

[@jamesradskijr.9745]

I think some at some point not being Matt ovoiusly, but at some point during their s8 ing years just stopped for a time and then thought wait ✋ 🤔 I'm a skater and started up again, going pro or just amatuer you always have that love for it. I'M 45 and at times in my travels I'll see a spot and sat to myself that be a cool place to s8. Matt Hensley you inspired so many through your career as a skater and musician 🙌 👏 thx you brother.

[@djantix1200]

you inspire me Matt. H. #thankyouskateboarding

[@selfwear]

Dude is 💯 oG 🙏🏽Thank you for this interview ..

[@8andsk835]

Got an nos Hensley kingsize bought it when I was a kid and never skated it. Had zero idea he was in flogging molly. Good on him!

[@kossanflyger]

Matt Hensley is fuckin boss. I don´t know what to say, he was a pro skateboarder and now play in my favourite band of all time. Cheers from Sweden

[@TheBaker64]

There is no ego put into anything he does! He is aq humble person! First time is saw Hokus Pokus is when i put a board under my feet!

[@nathanbellamy3308]

What an amazing guy. A life less ordinary sums up the skateboarders life

[@brennenvideos]

i'm just about brand new to skating and of course like most i know all the really famous skaters like tony hawk and rob dyrdek but matt hensley by far is my favorite skater

[@morpheliusdj]

Thanks Matt , nuff inspirational peace to you bro

[@tomf4087]

He's right. The video went out and made us kids at the time realise, you don't need a ramp to be a mind blowing skater. Of course there was other great skaters, but short hair, Hensley board, cargo shorts, chain, and that style caught everyone's attention. Trick selection too. It told us anyone can rip on the street and the 90s were going to change skating. Not sure we fully realised we were creating a whole new culture movement. Not early on anyway. By mid 90s, I think we resented people starting to dress like skaters.

[@nicholaspalumboii8769]

met Matt in Hawaii with his son and chick,super humble dude.respect!

[@DanRooster]

PS ... I am immediately going to dust off my skateboard and head out ... Thank you Matt, for putting things in perspective for me ... for us.

[@jdportwerks6795]

Again what a rad dude!

[@peterlogan2105]

Haroo., Mr. Hensley. Haroo. I remembered you in Shackle Me Not, and rocked out to your band for decades of deployments after. Oh, and I grew up in Chicago, and can personally attest to how awesome a venue the Metro is. Shit, it's across the street from the IVY!!! So again, I offer you a resounding HAROO, for I feel Henley I "really KNEW ya."

[@herbertmohler7096]

Great dude one of my fav skaters growing I met him once in the late 90's the plan b team was in tour and they went to fairmans in West Chester and from there we talked them into going to reading pa to a old skate park called magic and we all skated with Matt Hensley and the plan b team

[@ie750]

i love seeing dudes i watched grow up turn out good. what a stud, props sir i wish you the best in life 👊

[@chetrok1]

2 years later, and back Matt dude dont change , we all learned from watching u and Sean Sheffy skate in videos

[@einc70]

thanks tony for this..

[@MrNickduffield]

Brilliant.

[@kemicon]

I credit Matt Hensley for making the chain wallet popular. I bought one because I saw he had one and just about every skateboarder I knew did the exact same thing. I still have my original chain wallet although it's way too screwed up to use. It has Winnie the pimp from Stick O Rama on it.

[@dasnutnock6408]

Matt Hensley is the fucking man.

[@stephenfernald2490]

What a dude, what a video. Thanks

[@carolineeliot8510]

Amazed he does know how many people he has become an idol too, many, many kids from my age could of turned to drug users, but used skating to do something else to get away from it. Then to find even after moving away from skating he has still become an icon does not surprise me, as after all its the person inside that makes you an icon , not what you do that makes you an icon. Matt you could of become a mattress sales man, and you would of still become the person that wanna be salesmen would aspire to be. Good luck to you and your family in the future, and thanks for being a big part of my early teenage/skateboarding life. :)

[@jamesfinney8121]

Fucking love your story Matt Hensley! Been listening to Flogging Molly for years and adore the sound you give to the band!!! Saw you at the Chumash Casino not too long ago for the first time and loved it.

[@xjustinjx]

thanks for this. he's a cool guy.

[@Rickthomas7]

all time king

[@JTea808]

Awesomeness

[@drtydawg73]

man i love this interview! such big respect to you matt! i also had pictures of you from magazines on my bedroom walls. :-)

[@groundslothjiujitsu627]

Total Boss> Thank you Matt!

[@jevries]

Thanks a lot for creating this!!

[@crossbones80]

I'm gonna buy some Flogging Molly CDs now. I still have "Hokus Pokus" vid. Nice to know what happened to one legend after they go somewhere else. Nice to know Ron and Tony have brought H-Street back. Good vid.

[@incontruth4116]

How could you not know who Matt Hensley was?

[@strangersound]

Awesome interview. Thanks, Ride. :)

[@CaliBreeeze]

He's such a good smart dude I hope your doing well still

[@user-fs2xl4id5o]

Well I loved Hokus Pocus and I love Flogging Molly

[@downriverrat13420]

The old Train station in Detroit 6:02

[@private13]

Dear Matt Hensley, You are fucking awesome and I love you... no homo.

[@danrogersroadtrip]

matt brought his accordian on the skate europa tour probably 96'? One of those years and he had just gotten it and was totally psyched on learning to play. About halfway through that three week mess I remember one night in particular where we were all outside literally going off to Matt fucking ripping on his new toy it ruled. The next day Danny tried to give him shit saying that nobody cared...matt said, "Do you think anyone cares about your heavy metal riffs on your Ibanez guitar?"

[@ThePunkskaterfolife]

Fucking awesome. I love skateboarding and Flogging Molly

[@BurnerProd]

wow man this is amazing

[@assault_skateboards]

Legend.... VSL lifer.

[@xasdrubalex]

accordion from Castelfidardo, Italia! this is awesome. :D

[@TheMorganMonroeShow]

Epic

[@mjpzzz]

i wanna hug him 😭

[@jammyowens]

been waiting for this :)

[@justinruins]

and he still blunts like a fucking champ

[@kinamarru1]

me too

[@charlesjones2485]

wow never knew he was in Flogging Molly that's RAD

[@adamwatson9214]

I never got in to Flogging Molly, not really the music I was in to. So imagine my surprise to find out one of my skate heroes is the accordion player. 😐

[@briantethers9430]

watched my Hokus Pokus VHS video a hundreds times, one of my favs. Just figured out Hensley was in the band Flogging Molly's that ive heard of but never really got into. What a super cool guy! Love Hokus Pokus even more now!