Turnstile make history as first hardcore band on SNL in 45 years

Baltimore’s Turnstile made history on Saturday Night Live this weekend, becoming the first hardcore band to perform on the iconic late-night show in 45 years. The episode, hosted by Dakota Johnson, aired on October 5, with Turnstile delivering two electrifying performances that showcased their signature blend of hardcore energy and genre-defying creativity. Taylor Swift also made a surprise appearance, adding a touch of pop star glamour to the night.

A long-awaited return of hardcore to SNL

The last time a hardcore band graced the SNL stage was in 1981, when Los Angeles punk legends FEAR caused chaos—reportedly racking up thousands in damages to NBC Studios. Turnstile’s performance, in contrast, was a masterclass in precision and showmanship. They opened with "Birds," featuring a blistering drum solo from Daniel Fang, before launching into a medley of "I CARE" and "DULL." The band’s dynamic stage presence, led by frontman Brendan Yates’ high-energy kicks and spins, captivated the audience. For their second performance, they played in front of a surreal set of rotary telephones, culminating in a striking visual of a single blinking red phone as Yates sang.

Turnstile’s appearance is a milestone for hardcore music, a genre that has long been underrepresented on mainstream platforms. The band’s recent success—including two Grammy wins for Best Rock Album and Best Metal Performance—has helped bridge the gap between underground credibility and mainstream recognition. Their SNL debut is a testament to their growing influence and the evolving tastes of late-night audiences.

Taylor Swift’s surprise cameo

The episode took an unexpected turn when host Dakota Johnson welcomed her friend and Patient Zero co-star Taylor Swift to the stage. Johnson, who was celebrating her 37th birthday, introduced Swift as her "literal therapist" before the pop superstar presented her with a cake. Swift’s cameo was a playful nod to her long-standing ties to SNL—she has appeared on the show multiple times, most recently in 2023 to introduce musical guest Ice Spice.

The two stars shared a lighthearted moment, with Johnson joking about her dating history with musicians (including Chris Martin and Role Model) and Swift playfully referencing her song "Cleveland." Swift later reappeared during the goodnights, seemingly surprising Turnstile guitarist Pat McCrory with another cake.

What’s next for Turnstile

Turnstile’s SNL performance comes amid a busy touring schedule. The band played Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival the night before their SNL appearance and had back-to-back shows in St. Louis, Austin, and Las Vegas earlier this week. Their North American tour continues through November, culminating in a headlining set at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles. Fans can expect more high-energy performances as the band brings their unique sound to stages across the continent.

For those who missed the SNL episode, clips of Turnstile’s performances and Swift’s cameo are available online. The band’s historic appearance is a reminder of how far hardcore music has come—and how much further it can go.