Turnstile’s Brendan Yates ejects security guard from show for allegedly “swinging” at fan: “We won’t play if he’s still here”

Turnstile’s frontman Brendan Yates briefly paused a recent gig to insist that a security guard be removed from the venue, after they allegedly took a “swing” at a fan in the audience.

• READ MORE: Turnstile embarked on an odyssey of their own to make new album ‘Never Enough’

The gig took place at The Criterion in Oklahoma City on Monday night (October 5), when the band took to the stage as part of their ongoing North America tour.

During the set, footage from fans in the crowd showed the frontman pausing the show mid-song, and jumping off the stage to confront a security guard. Videos then showed Yates pulling the member of staff away from someone in the audience, before repeating “you’re done” and explaining the situation to other members of security.

Bassist Franz Lyons also jumped down from the stage after the set was halted, going to see what the issue was.

WATCH

Brendan Yates of Turnstile Cuts Show to Kick Out Security Guard
byu/Varietis inHardcore

A few moments later, the two bandmates returned to the stage to address the crowd and explain why they abruptly stopped the set – sharing that they allegedly saw the security take a “swing” at a concertgoer, and would not be continuing their set until that member of staff was removed from the gig.

“To the security that’s doing a great job — thank you. There are some that didn’t get the assignment,” Yates said.

“I know that all of you are coming up here and trying to have a good time, and it’s high energy, and there’s movement. And there’s no need for anyone to be swinging on anyone just coming over the barrier,” he added. “That security guard cannot be here. [We] won’t play if he’s still here. And the rest, thank you for adjusting, and keeping this peaceful.”

NME has reached out to The Criterion for comment about the incident. It is not yet clear if the security member was provided by the venue or an external company.

"Tirem ele daqui! Tirem ele daqui!" Brendan Yates parou o show do Turnstile ontem à noite em Oklahoma para expulsar um segurança que estava agredindo os fãs. pic.twitter.com/UzZp1g3vNt

— Van do Halen – #cadeiaparaBolsonaro (@VanDoHalen) October 6, 2026

The incident at the Oklahoma gig comes on the heels of the hardcore icons being confirmed for Primavera Sound 2027, and meeting Taylor Swift as they performed as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

Before then, they played at Austin City Limits in Texas, and it capped a huge period for the band following the release of ‘Never Enough’ in June last year. ‘Birds’ won Best Metal Performance at the Grammys in February, while ‘Never Enough’ took home Best Rock Album.

In August, they followed it with ‘Never Enough: Versions’, a complete reworking of the album featuring collaborators including Elton John, Hayley Williams, Blood Orange, A.G. Cook, Julien Baker, Four Tet and Slayyyter. Their US tour dates continue through to October 18, where they play a closing show in Santa Ana.