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Sun, 4 Oct, 2026Updated 09:15 pm IST
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Turnstile Rocks SNL Debut

The hardcore band performed three songs from their Grammy-winning album Never Enough, including a medley of 'I Care' and 'Dull', on an episode hosted by Dakota Johnson and featuring a surprise appearance by Taylor Swift

Turnstile Rocks SNL Debut
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jus10h/ / wikimedia (BY)

Turnstile made their Saturday Night Live debut on October 4, performing three songs from their Grammy-winning album Never Enough. The band opened with 'Birds', which won best metal performance at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, and later returned for a medley of 'I Care' and 'Dull'.

The episode was hosted by Dakota Johnson, who also celebrated her birthday with a surprise appearance by Taylor Swift. Turnstile's performance marked a rare live appearance by a hardcore band on the late-night sketch comedy show, which has a contentious history with loud, snarling punk music.

It had been 45 years since a hardcore band had played SNL before Turnstile, with the last performance being by FEAR in 1981. FEAR's performance caused $20,000 worth of damage to NBC Studios and started a four-decade distaste for hardcore on the show.

Turnstile's SNL debut was a significant moment for the band, which has been gaining popularity with their unique sound and energetic live performances. The band's appearance on the show was also notable for its lack of destruction, with the band joking about not trashing the studio during their performance like their hardcore forebears.

## What it means The appearance of Turnstile on SNL marks a significant shift in the show's attitude towards hardcore punk music. The genre has long been associated with chaos and destruction, but Turnstile's performance showed that it can also be a powerful and energetic force for good. The band's ability to bring their unique sound to a wider audience is a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft.

## Why it matters Turnstile's SNL debut matters because it shows that hardcore punk music can be a part of the mainstream music scene. The genre has long been relegated to the fringes of the music world, but Turnstile's performance on SNL proves that it can be a powerful and popular force. The band's appearance on the show is also a significant moment for fans of hardcore punk music, who have been waiting for a band like Turnstile to break through to the mainstream.

The success of Turnstile's SNL debut is also a testament to the power of music to bring people together. The band's performance was a rare moment of unity and excitement on a show that is often associated with comedy and satire. The appearance of Taylor Swift on the same episode as Turnstile also highlights the diversity and range of music that is available to fans today.

Sources

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