Turnstile explodes on SNL with Birds and Never Enough
Baltimore hardcore powerhouse Turnstile made a major cultural splash this past Saturday, taking the stage on Saturday Night Live. The band delivered a potent performance, showcasing three tracks from their Grammy-winning album Never Enough, proving that hardcore energy still holds immense mainstream appeal.
The appearance itself was a significant milestone, marking the first time a hardcore act had graced the set since Fear’s famously chaotic appearance back in 1981. It was a moment that celebrated the genre’s continued evolution and reach.
The performance began with the high-energy track “Birds,” a song that previously snagged the award for best metal performance at the 68th annual Grammy Awards. The show also featured a medley of other tracks, including “I Care” and “Dull,” further cementing the band’s dynamic stage presence.
Turnstile’s success is built on a foundation of relentless musical quality. Their sophomore album, Never Enough, released in June 2025, followed their breakout 2021 work Glow On. This record debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, with the title track achieving the band’s first No. 1 position on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart.
The album garnered substantial recognition, earning the group five Grammy nominations—a historic feat that made Turnstile the first band ever nominated across the rock, alternative, and metal fields in a single ceremony. They were recognized with wins for best rock album alongside their Grammy-winning performance of “Birds.”
Building on this momentum, Turnstile released Never Enough: Versions in August, offering fans a reimagined edition of the album featuring compelling collaborations with a diverse group of artists, including Elton John, Hayley Williams, Slayyyter, Julien Baker, Four Tet, Blood Orange, Faye Webster, and Alex G.
The cultural moment of the SNL appearance was amplified by the involvement of host Dakota Johnson, who had previously teased the booking, joking about readying herself for a “wall of death” moment for the band.
The band’s ongoing journey continues with scheduled tour dates. Turnstile is set to resume their tour on Monday, October 5, kicking off in Oklahoma City, followed by stops in Lawrence, Kansas; St. Louis; Ventura, California; and Las Vegas before concluding their run on October 18 in Santa Ana, California.
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