Baltimore hardcore outfit Turnstile made their highly anticipated debut on Saturday Night Live last night (October 3), delivering a powerful performance that underscored their status as one of modern rock's most vital acts. The band, led by frontman Brendan Yates, performed the heavy-hitting track 'Birds' alongside a seamless medley of 'I Care' and 'Dull'.
The band served as musical guests on the second episode of the show’s 52nd season, hosted by Dakota Johnson. Their appearance follows a massive period of growth for the group, bolstered by the success of their fourth studio album, Never Enough. The record has garnered significant critical acclaim, including a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance for 'Birds' and a Best Rock Album victory for the project as a whole.
For their first set, the band tore through 'Birds', showcasing the raw intensity that has defined their recent output. Watch the performance below:
Later in the broadcast, the band returned to the stage for a dynamic medley, transitioning from the atmospheric, dreamier textures of 'I Care' into the driving rhythm of 'Dull'.
Beyond their musical achievements, Turnstile has been vocal about their role as artists in a turbulent global climate. Following their Grammy success, the band addressed issues of state violence and displacement, emphasizing the importance of using their platform to reflect the realities of the world. As Yates previously noted during the BRIT Awards, "Artists serve as a mirror to reflect what’s happening in the world."
The band’s SNL appearance caps off a busy week that included a performance at Austin City Limits. With their continued evolution and the successful release of the collaborative project Never Enough: Versions—which featured artists like Elton John and Hayley Williams—Turnstile remains at the forefront of the contemporary rock conversation.