Live Review: Turnstile at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island • Chicago
TURNSTILE
Turnstile with Jane Remover, Speed, and Mannequin Pussy
Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Chicago, IL
September 26, 2025
Review by Ashley Perez – Hollingsworth
With another hit album on their hands, it’s no surprise TURNSTILE shows keep getting bigger. Older fans will surely miss the days of seeing the hardcore band in intimate venues, but their recent sold-out show at Huntington Bank Pavilion on Friday (September 26) proves they can bring that same unbridled energy and controlled chaos to big venues. Delivering some much-needed “T.L.C.,” the Chicago stop on their “NEVER ENOUGH TOUR” was a celebration of their past, future, and their fans.
Openers Jane Remover, Speed, and Mannequin Pussy riled up the crowd with the latter nearly stealing the show. Marisa “Missy” Dabice dominated the stage, switching between teasing the crowd and berating them. In between songs, she took advantage of stage time to rally against fascism, racism, homophobia, and ICE. Dabice had one thing to say to those who wanted them to shut up and play music: “Disrespectfully, fuck you!”
With the city skyline looming behind them, TURNSTILE walked out to the warm, opening sounds of “NEVER ENOUGH.” It was the calm before the storm as soon as Pat McCory struck the opening chords and Daniel Fang started pummeling the drums, bodies began to move and didn’t stop for the rest of the night. They transformed the amphitheater into a huge mosh pit with frontman Brendan Yates leading the charge. Fan eagerly followed his lead as he hopped, skipped, jumped, and twirled across the stage.
The show wasn’t just a celebration of the band’s latest album, NEVER ENOUGH; it was also a celebration of their fans. LED screens highlighted people in the pit dancing, singing, and headbanging throughout the night. Some of the sweetest moments showed TURNSTILE’s young fans having a ball. While it would’ve been nice if the screens showed more of the band’s performance, especially Yates’ fantastic dance moves, it captured what matters most: the community. You couldn’t help but smile as you saw people waving to the screen, hugging their partners, or screaming their hearts out. TURNSTILE may have exploded in mainstream popularity, but they still love and care about their fans.
The 23-song setlist focused heavily on cuts from GLOW ON and NEVER ENOUGH, with highlights being “T.L.C.,” “HOLIDAY,” “FLY AGAIN,” “ENDLESS,” “SEEIN’ STARS,” “SUNSHOWER,” “SOLE,” “I CARE,” “LOOK OUT FOR ME,” and “DON’T PLAY.” Wanting to treat longtime fans and expose newer fans to their early days, they pulled out tracks from Nonstop Feeling and Step 2 Rhythm such as “7,” “Fazed Out,” “Pushing Me Away,” and “Keep It Moving.” Barely giving the audience a chance to catch their breath, the night ended with “BIRDS” – a final call for everyone in the venue to lose their minds.
Whether it’s a small, dingy venue or a massive stage, TURNSTILE rarely fails to deliver a kick ass show. They put more than blood, sweat, and tears into their performances. They put their heart and souls into it. Their passion spills from the stage and into the crowd, who feed off that energy. Even people in the bleachers couldn’t sit still. No doubt TURNSTILE has changed throughout the years – bigger shows, a different sound, a new lineup – but their core values of togetherness, love, and community remain the same.
Category: Featured
