TURNSTILE w/ Pennywise & Die Spitz – Ventura Fairgrounds – 10/14/26. Review/Pics: Manuel Gay
On October 14th, a multigenerational crowd gathered at the Ventura Fairgrounds for an unforgettable concert lineup that bridged decades of music, from legendary Californian punk rock to the raw, innovative future of heavy music. Featuring Die Spitz, Pennywise, and Turnstile, the evening was a masterclass in high-energy live performance. The crisp ocean air wasn’t cool enough to tame the pure heat coming off the stage that night.
Die Spitz Set the Bar High (and Our Ears on Fire)
Kickstarting the night was Austin’s own Die Spitz, a band rapidly building a reputation as one of the most magnetic live acts in punk and metal today. From the moment the four members stepped onto the stage, their set was pure dynamite.
Opening the evening with the hypnotic “I Hate When GIRLS Die,” Die Spitz didn’t just warm up the crowd; they set the tone for the night. Eleanor’s vocals were raw and powerful, grabbing you by the guts. Ava’s guitar riffs electrified the venue, sending us into pure mayhem. Kate’s energy was off the charts: when her bass momentarily stopped working, she didn’t skip a beat, tossed it on the floor, and dove headfirst over the barricades for an impromptu crowd-surfing session.
The setlist blended standout tracks from their 2025 album Something to Consume, like “Throw Yourself On The Sword,” with some older tunes. I caught the crowd singing along at times, proof that despite their young age, the Austin four-piece has already found a dedicated audience. Their performance was visceral and magnetic, leaving me eager for the opportunity to catch them headline their own show soon. The energy on stage was infectious, and by the time they wrapped up, the venue was already packed.
Pennywise: SoCal Punk Legends
Next up were Hermosa Beach punk icons Pennywise, who brought decades of raw power and scene experience to Ventura. As my first time catching them live, it was amazing to witness this legendary band during a SoCal home show.
Pennywise electrified the audience instantly, bringing younger fans together with seasoned concertgoers, all sharing the same excitement. Bassist Randy was at the top of his game, and guitarist Fletcher looked like he belonged nowhere else on earth. Jim Lindberg’s vocals carried the exact same urgency as they did on their earliest records, making it a real treat to hear anthems like “Fuck Authority” and “Society.”
Mid-set, drummer Byron stepped away from his kit for a special guest appearance by Pulley’s drummer on “Broken” from their 1997 record Full Circle. The band then invited friends and family members on stage to close out with their timeless classic, “Bro Hymn,” getting the entire venue to sing along.
Pennywise proved that after three decades on top of the West Coast punk scene, it’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about relentless consistency.
Turnstile: Explosive, Hypnotic, Unstoppable
Turnstile is undeniably one of the hottest bands in music today. From winning two Grammy Awards in 2026, including Best Rock Album, to performing on Saturday Night Live, the Maryland hardcore powerhouse seems to be everywhere. Catching them live this year was easily one of my most anticipated concert experiences in a long time.
When the lights went down, America’s “Ventura Freeway” played over the speakers, and the band stepped onto the stage. The mood at the Ventura Fairgrounds shifted instantly to pure euphoria. The Baltimore heavyweights continue to redefine what modern hardcore music sounds and feels like, seamlessly incorporating electro-pop interludes and striking visual production into their live sets.
The band opened with the highly anticipated “BIRDS” from their album NEVER ENOUGH. As the audience melted into a giant human wave moving up and down, hundreds of voices blended into one to shout the lyrics: “Finally I can see it, these birds not meant to fly alone.” In the background, stunning visuals alternated between bold color stripes and live feeds captured by a brave cameraman right in the middle of the mosh pit.
Throughout the night, the stage lighting and screen graphics echoed the artwork of their latest record with vibrant rainbow colors, creating a striking contrast with the beautiful chaos unfolding in the crowd. The visuals mirrored the band’s music: a masterclass in balancing calm instrumental moments with the raw fury of hardcore punk.
Frontman Brendan Yates was a live wire on stage, constantly spinning, jumping, and rushing to the barricades to connect with fans in the front row. Meanwhile, bassist Franz Lyons and guitarist Meg Mills locked into an infectious groove that kept the entire crowd bouncing all night. Drummer Daniel Yang was an absolute powerhouse, pounding his kit with the strength of a heavy hitter and the precision of a jazz musician.
The setlist drew heavily from their last two acclaimed records, GLOW ON and NEVER ENOUGH, alongside a selection of older fan favorites. Highlights included amazing live renditions of “DULL” and “SUNSHOWER,” as well as the peaceful, atmospheric break of “MAGIC MAN.”
Without ever leaving the stage, the band launched directly into an encore. Personal favorite “BLACKOUT” took on a whole new dimension as hundreds of fans fused into one massive mosh pit, followed closely by the stellar “NEVER ENOUGH.”
When they closed the night with an explosive rendition of “T.L.C. (TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION),” the few attendees who had started heading toward the exit early to beat traffic ran back to scream every word along with the band.
Turnstile’s performance demonstrated exactly why they have become a global phenomenon: they deliver hardcore music with joy, irresistible groove, and, most importantly, absolute inclusivity. It is rare to witness a rock show with such a welcoming, community-driven crowd.
From Die Spitz’s fiery opening set to Pennywise’s lesson in punk longevity, and ending with Turnstile’s storm of visuals, this Ventura lineup delivered the ultimate concert experience. Turnstile remains a must-see band live, guaranteed to make you feel decades younger the moment you jump into the crowd.
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