Turnstile opens Coachella with a tribute to the singer's dad after a violent attack

Turnstile kicked off their Coachella 2026 set on Friday night with a moment that was less about music and more about healing. Before the first chord rang out, the crowd was shown a video of Bill Yates, father of lead singer Brendan Yates, speaking warmly about the band. 'They're all sons of mine,' he said, smiling. It was a powerful prelude, especially given that Bill had narrowly survived a violent attack just weeks earlier-allegedly at the hands of the band's former guitarist, Brady Ebert.

The assault, which left Bill Yates with serious injuries, led to Ebert being charged with attempted murder. The details remain under investigation, but the incident sent shockwaves through the music community and cast uncertainty over Turnstile's upcoming performances. Yet, rather than retreat, the band chose Coachella-a high-profile stage-as the place to reemerge, turning pain into a statement of solidarity.

The tribute video didn't dwell on the violence. Instead, it focused on family, loyalty, and the deep ties between the band members and the Yates family. Bill, speaking from his recovery, offered words of pride and love. That warmth carried into Turnstile's set, which blended their signature high-energy hardcore with a newfound emotional weight.

Meanwhile, another band faced a different kind of setback. The Lambrini Girls announced they were withdrawing from their Coachella appearance after lead singer Phoebe Lunny revealed she had suffered a fractured neck and an acute brain injury. The cause of the injury hasn't been publicly detailed, but the band emphasized Lunny's need for rest and recovery, asking fans for privacy and support.

Coachella, as always, is a mix of celebration and unpredictability. This year, it's also become a stage for resilience. Turnstile didn't mention the attack directly during their set, but the tribute made the subtext clear: the band is moving forward, together. Fans responded with loud support, moshing and singing along as if to reaffirm that the music-and the community around it-can endure.

For many in the audience, the moment was more than just a concert opener. It was a reminder of how personal stories weave into live music, especially in the punk and hardcore scenes, where kinship often runs deeper than blood. Bill Yates may not be a musician, but in that video, he became part of the performance-a symbol of survival and unconditional support.

As the festival continues, Turnstile's choice to lead with heart rather than headlines stands out. It wasn't a protest, nor a spectacle. It was simply a family saying, quietly and firmly, that they're still here.