The night of September 6th at Brown's Island in Richmond, Virginia, will be etched in the memories of those who witnessed it for a long time. Turnstile, the Baltimore band that rose from the hardcore punk underground to become a global phenomenon, took the stage to perform in front of an audience of over 6,000 people. Their music was a fusion of explosive catharsis and infectious energy that brought the crowd to their feet.
The show began with the shimmering intro from Never Enough, followed by TLC, a frantic fist-pumper that set off a frenzy of flailing limbs as the crowd erupted into a mass of sweaty euphoria. Every new riff, every change in tempo, brought another wave of energy, with the band members jumping, spinning, stomping and calling for the crowd to give them more.
This was not just any show; it was an immersive experience that drew the audience into its orbit. The barrier separating the stage from the crowd seemed a distant memory as strangers screamed lyrics into each other's faces and people crashed into one another in their excitement. The magic of Turnstile's live shows lies in the fact that they can transform even the largest crowds into a sense of community.
But on this particular night, something went terribly wrong. As the band played their hit single Birds, a teenage boy was sprayed with pepper spray by a sheriff's deputy who had appeared out of nowhere. The incident sparked outrage and left many wondering how such a display of force could be justified in a place where music and joy were meant to reign supreme.
Turnstile members have long spoken about the importance of creating a sense of community at their live shows, one that transcends borders and backgrounds. And yet, on this night, the opposite happened – a stark reminder of how even the most well-intentioned gatherings can be turned into nightmares by the actions of those in power.
Yates still sounds shaken when reflecting on what happened: "A cowardly action from an officer coming in and spraying a 15-year-old kid and then walking away. I don't think that's an isolated event." For Yates, this incident has only reinforced his commitment to Turnstile's mission – one of spreading love and acceptance through music.
The band's latest album, Never Enough, is more than just a collection of songs; it's a testament to their unwavering dedication to creating a sense of community. From the dance-infused Baltimore club vibes to the soaring anthems that showcase Hayley Williams' vocals, every track on this record has been crafted with one goal in mind – to unite people and bring them together.
Turnstile's live shows are no longer just about music; they're about forging connections, sparking conversations and creating a sense of belonging. When asked about their secret to making these experiences so special, the band members speak in almost mystical terms. For them, it's all about chemistry, togetherness, and making the energy on stage touch people who are on the other side.
Turnstile tour the UK and Ireland from November 1st to 5th; they'll start their journey in Dublin, with Never Enough out now.
The show began with the shimmering intro from Never Enough, followed by TLC, a frantic fist-pumper that set off a frenzy of flailing limbs as the crowd erupted into a mass of sweaty euphoria. Every new riff, every change in tempo, brought another wave of energy, with the band members jumping, spinning, stomping and calling for the crowd to give them more.
This was not just any show; it was an immersive experience that drew the audience into its orbit. The barrier separating the stage from the crowd seemed a distant memory as strangers screamed lyrics into each other's faces and people crashed into one another in their excitement. The magic of Turnstile's live shows lies in the fact that they can transform even the largest crowds into a sense of community.
But on this particular night, something went terribly wrong. As the band played their hit single Birds, a teenage boy was sprayed with pepper spray by a sheriff's deputy who had appeared out of nowhere. The incident sparked outrage and left many wondering how such a display of force could be justified in a place where music and joy were meant to reign supreme.
Turnstile members have long spoken about the importance of creating a sense of community at their live shows, one that transcends borders and backgrounds. And yet, on this night, the opposite happened – a stark reminder of how even the most well-intentioned gatherings can be turned into nightmares by the actions of those in power.
Yates still sounds shaken when reflecting on what happened: "A cowardly action from an officer coming in and spraying a 15-year-old kid and then walking away. I don't think that's an isolated event." For Yates, this incident has only reinforced his commitment to Turnstile's mission – one of spreading love and acceptance through music.
The band's latest album, Never Enough, is more than just a collection of songs; it's a testament to their unwavering dedication to creating a sense of community. From the dance-infused Baltimore club vibes to the soaring anthems that showcase Hayley Williams' vocals, every track on this record has been crafted with one goal in mind – to unite people and bring them together.
Turnstile's live shows are no longer just about music; they're about forging connections, sparking conversations and creating a sense of belonging. When asked about their secret to making these experiences so special, the band members speak in almost mystical terms. For them, it's all about chemistry, togetherness, and making the energy on stage touch people who are on the other side.
Turnstile tour the UK and Ireland from November 1st to 5th; they'll start their journey in Dublin, with Never Enough out now.