Turnstile’s Friday night set at Coachella 2026 was always going to be a big moment for the Baltimore hardcore band. But as the sun dipped behind the California desert and festivalgoers crowded the main stage on April 10, few could have predicted the emotional punch that opened the show. Before Brendan Yates, Franz Lyons, Daniel Fang, Pat McCrory, and Meg Mills even set foot on stage, a pre-recorded video flickered onto the screens. The man speaking was William Yates—Brendan’s father—whose words, recorded before a shocking recent incident, resonated deeply with fans and band members alike.
“I’m Bill Yates, I’m the proud father of Brendan. They’re all sons of mine. They’ve been practicing in the house for about 13 years now. Just recently they vacated the basement. They’re at a point where the larger the venue the better, because they just enjoy the energy. To all the fans out there, we love you and Turnstile loves you and enjoy the ride,” William Yates said in the message, as reported by Pitchfork and other outlets. The warmth and pride in his voice seemed to set the tone for what was to come—a celebration of growth, community, and the power of music to bring people together.
Yet, for those who had followed Turnstile’s recent headlines, the message carried a weight that went far beyond the usual pre-show hype. Just a week earlier, William Yates had undergone emergency surgery following a violent incident involving Brady Ebert, Turnstile’s former guitarist. According to both Pitchfork and downstage, Ebert was arrested on charges of second-degree attempted murder after allegedly striking William Yates with his car.
The details of the incident, which occurred in early April 2026, remain under investigation. Ebert, who parted ways with Turnstile prior to the attack, has claimed he acted in self-defense. Law enforcement sources cited in multiple reports confirm that he is currently being held on the attempted murder charge while legal proceedings unfold. The band has not commented publicly on the specifics of the case, nor did they address the incident directly during their Coachella performance. The pre-recorded video, filmed before the attack, was left to speak for itself—its inclusion a silent but powerful acknowledgment of recent events.
For fans in the crowd and those watching online, the moment was both poignant and surreal. The video’s nostalgia—recounting years of basement rehearsals and the band’s journey to ever-larger stages—stood in stark contrast to the turmoil that had recently upended the Yates family and the Turnstile community. “They just enjoy the energy,” Bill Yates said, a line that seemed to echo through the festival grounds with added meaning.
After the video faded, Turnstile wasted no time launching into “Never Enough,” the title track from their most recent album. The song’s urgent, anthemic chorus seemed to capture the band’s determination to keep moving forward despite adversity. As Pitchfork detailed, the setlist that followed was a testament to Turnstile’s versatility and the depth of their catalog: “T.L.C. (Turnstile Love Connection),” “Endless,” “I Care / Dull,” “Don’t Play,” “Sole,” and more. The crowd responded in kind, moshing, singing, and dancing with the kind of abandon that has become synonymous with Turnstile shows.
Midway through the set, the band welcomed a special guest: Blood Orange, the acclaimed musician and producer, joined them on stage for a live rendition of their collaboration “Seein’ Stars.” The performance was a highlight, blending Turnstile’s raw intensity with Blood Orange’s signature groove. It was a reminder that, even amid personal and collective hardship, music has the power to foster unexpected connections and moments of joy.
The full setlist, as reported by Pitchfork, included twelve songs performed on April 10, 2026: “Never Enough,” “T.L.C. (Turnstile Love Connection),” “Endless,” “I Care / Dull,” “Don’t Play,” “Sole,” “Seein’ Stars” (with Blood Orange), “Holiday,” “Look Out for Me,” “Mystery,” “Blackout,” and “Birds.” Each track seemed to build on the emotional undercurrent established by Bill Yates’ opening message, with the band channeling both grief and gratitude into their performance.
For longtime fans, the Coachella appearance marked a milestone in Turnstile’s evolution from scrappy basement upstarts to festival mainstays. As Bill Yates recounted in his video, the band’s early days were spent practicing in the Yates family home—a fact that resonated with anyone who’s ever watched a loved one chase a dream. “Just recently they vacated the basement,” he joked, a line that drew laughs and cheers from the crowd. The journey from those humble beginnings to one of the world’s biggest music festivals was, in many ways, the realization of a long-held dream—not just for the band, but for the family and friends who supported them along the way.
Yet, the shadow of recent violence was impossible to ignore. The attack on William Yates, and the subsequent arrest of Brady Ebert, cast a pall over what should have been a purely celebratory occasion. While the band chose not to address the incident directly on stage, the inclusion of Bill Yates’ message—filmed before the attack—spoke volumes. It was a subtle but unmistakable gesture of solidarity, both with their family and their fans.
Legal experts following the case have noted that Ebert’s claim of self-defense will likely be central to his defense, but the facts as reported by multiple outlets remain stark: William Yates suffered severe injuries and required emergency surgery after being struck by Ebert’s car. The community has rallied around the Yates family, with fans expressing support and concern for Bill’s recovery across social media platforms. The band, for their part, has maintained a respectful silence, choosing instead to let their music—and their actions—do the talking.
As festival season kicks into high gear, Turnstile’s Coachella set stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. The band’s ability to channel personal pain into artistic expression, and to unite a diverse audience through music, remains as potent as ever. For those in attendance, the night was a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy, moments of connection and catharsis are possible. “Enjoy the ride,” Bill Yates urged from the screen—a simple message, but one that carried the weight of a family’s love and a band’s determination to keep moving forward.
Turnstile’s Coachella performance, framed by both triumph and tragedy, offered a powerful snapshot of a band—and a community—navigating the complexities of life in the public eye. For now, the music plays on, and the ride continues.