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Metallica frontman James Hetfield said on his SiriusXM show that the band invited Turnstile to tour with them, but Turnstile declined, saying they were doing well on their own. Hetfield praised the group’s live performances after Turnstile recently played to a reported 60,000 people at Washington, DC’s National Mall.
James Hetfield says Turnstile turned down an invitation to tour with Metallica, explaining on his SiriusXM show, Riff Life, that the hardcore band told Metallica they were doing well on their own. The Metallica frontman praised Turnstile’s live performances shortly after the group played for a reported 60,000 people at Washington, DC’s National Mall.
Speaking on Riff Life, Hetfield said Metallica had wanted to bring Turnstile on tour. He described the band’s response as a refusal based on its existing success: “they said no, they’re doing good on their own already.” Hetfield did not identify when the offer was made, which tour it concerned or who handled the discussions.
Hetfield also urged listeners to see Turnstile perform live, saying the band’s stage presence adds something beyond its recordings. He said Metallica had spent some time with the group and called its members “super cool guys, super fun.” He also referred to guitarist Meg Mills joining the band, describing it as having “a gal in the band now playing.”
The remarks followed Turnstile’s performance on the National Mall in Washington, DC, which Stereogum reported drew 60,000 people. That audience figure is reported in the source article; no further attendance details or independent confirmation are provided in the supplied material. Hetfield’s comments connect the performance to wider attention around the band, while confirming only that Metallica made an offer and Turnstile declined it.
A Tour Offer, Not a Lineup Announcement
The exchange is a notable example of Metallica seeking out a younger hardcore act for its touring bill, but it does not signal a collaboration or a confirmed future appearance. Turnstile’s reported decision to continue independently is also a reminder that a major-band invitation does not necessarily outweigh a group’s own plans.
For fans, Hetfield’s praise may bring additional attention to Turnstile’s concerts, especially his view that the band’s live show stands apart from its recordings. The remarks also fit a broader pattern of Metallica placing acts from heavier and adjacent scenes on its tour bills: the source report notes that Knocked Loose opened for the European leg of Metallica’s M72 World Tour earlier this year. That example is useful context, but it does not establish that Turnstile was offered the same slot or tour.
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Turnstile’s Recent Metallica Connections
Hetfield’s interest in Turnstile was not entirely new. Stereogum reported that he had been spotted side-stage at a Turnstile show a couple of years ago. The source does not specify the date or circumstances, so that appearance should be treated as background rather than evidence about when a tour offer was discussed.
Metallica has also recently brought other heavy acts onto its touring program. According to the report, Knocked Loose opened on the European leg of the M72 World Tour earlier this year. Turnstile’s sound and audience differ in some respects from Metallica’s, but Hetfield’s public comments show an appreciation for the band and its live performances. No shared bill with Turnstile has been announced.
““We wanted to get them on tour, and they said no, they’re doing good on their own already.””
— James Hetfield, speaking on SiriusXM’s Riff Life
When the Invitation Was Made
The source report does not specify when Metallica made the offer, which tour or dates were discussed, or whether the invitation was for a full tour, selected shows or another arrangement. It also relies on Hetfield’s account; no response from Turnstile or its representatives is included in the supplied material.
There is no indication that Turnstile has agreed to join Metallica for any later concerts, and no future joint appearance is confirmed. The report gives an attendance estimate of 60,000 at the National Mall show but does not provide the source or methodology for that figure. Hetfield’s remarks establish his praise and his account of the declined offer, not the full terms of the exchange.
No Joint Dates Announced
There is no announced next step between the bands. Metallica’s tour plans and Turnstile’s own schedule may develop separately, but the supplied report names no upcoming dates together and does not say whether Metallica might extend another invitation.
For now, the confirmed development is limited to Hetfield’s account on Riff Life: Metallica wanted Turnstile on tour, Turnstile declined, and Hetfield publicly endorsed the band’s live show. Any future collaboration would need to be confirmed by the bands or their representatives.
Key Questions
Did Turnstile turn down an offer to tour with Metallica?
According to James Hetfield, yes. He said on SiriusXM’s Riff Life that Metallica wanted to bring Turnstile on tour and that the band declined, saying it was doing well on its own.
Why did Turnstile decline?
Hetfield characterized the response as Turnstile saying it was “doing good on their own already.” The source report does not include a statement directly from Turnstile explaining the decision.
When did Metallica make the offer?
The timing has not been reported. Hetfield did not say when the invitation was made or identify the tour it concerned.
Will Turnstile join Metallica on a future tour?
No future joint dates have been announced in the supplied report. Hetfield’s comments describe a declined offer, not a confirmed plan for a later tour.
What did Hetfield say about Turnstile?
He praised the group’s energy and live performances, urged listeners to see it play, and said Metallica had spent time with the band. He also referred to guitarist Meg Mills.
Source: stereogum.com
