Brendan Yates

Brendan Yates is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the Baltimore hardcore punk band Turnstile. Born in 1990, he transitioned from a supporting drummer to one of the most distinctive voices in modern rock, guiding the group from underground roots to global acclaim with genre-blending albums like GLOW ON and Never Enough.

While maintaining a low profile regarding his private life, Yates has become a pivotal figure in the evolution of hardcore music. His journey includes significant collaborations with major artists such as Beabadoobee, Paramore, and American Football. As of 2026, he continues to tour internationally and perform on platforms like Saturday Night Live, cementing his status as a key artist in the contemporary music scene. [edit]

Brendan Yates grew up in the Baltimore area, deeply immersed in the local skateboarding culture that would later influence his musical aesthetic. He identifies strongly as an old skater, a background that provided the foundation for his entry into the city's vibrant hardcore scene. Before stepping into the spotlight, Yates was primarily a drummer rather than a singer. He co-founded Turnstile in 2010 alongside bassist Brendan Lukens (Franz), guitarist Pat Thompson, and drummer Shane Toler.

For the first few years of the band's existence, Yates played drums while others handled vocals. The pivotal shift occurred in 2014 when original vocalist Chris McCaughan departed. Yates stepped up to take over lead vocal duties despite having no prior experience singing live. This decision marked a defining moment in his career, transforming him from a supporting instrumentalist into the frontman of what would become one of the most influential bands of the 2020s. [edit]

Yates’s professional trajectory shifted dramatically after he assumed vocal responsibilities in 2014. Under his leadership, Turnstile released King of the Clouds in 2017, which established their reputation for high-energy, melodic hardcore. The band's sound continued to evolve with the 2018 release of Glory, further solidifying their standing within the scene.

The 2019 album GLOW ON became a landmark moment, fusing hardcore with pop, R&B, and electronic elements. Yates’s vocals were widely credited for the album's unique texture and emotional range, bringing Turnstile to a global audience. The record won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2020. In 2021, Yates showcased his versatility by appearing as a guest vocalist on American Football's track "Scared of It".

His collaborative work expanded in 2022 when he contributed to Paramore's album This Is Why. By 2024, he appeared in the music video for Paramore's "Thick Skull". The band released the highly anticipated album Never Enough in 2025, continuing their evolution and achieving massive commercial success. In 2026, Yates collaborated on new tracks including American Football's "No Feeling" and Beabadoobee's Pylon. Later that year, Turnstile performed on Saturday Night Live, marking a significant milestone for mainstream recognition. [edit]

Yates is portrayed as a sensitive, thoughtful, and authentic artist. Media coverage often highlights his journey from a shy drummer to a confident frontman. His content tone is positive and community-focused, reflecting the band's values. Socially, he is seen as a humble figure who prioritizes the music and the fans over celebrity. Known for a casual, streetwear aesthetic typical of the hardcore and skate culture, he often wears hoodies, t-shirts, and sneakers during performances. [edit]

iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated this person in September 2026 but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). They are evaluated by the engine but not currently in the Top 1,000.

Turnstile's fanbase is known as "The Turnstile Family" or simply "Turnstile Fans." They are highly organized, known for their energetic live show attendance and strong support for the band's artistic evolution. Fan campaigns have included streaming pushes for GLOW ON and Never Enough, as well as charity drives in the band's name. The fandom is notable for its inclusivity and dedication to the band's message of mental health and community. [edit]

Yates was originally the drummer for Turnstile before becoming the vocalist. He is an avid skateboarder and has been involved in the Baltimore skate scene since his youth. Despite his fame, he rarely gives interviews about his personal life, preferring to let his music speak for him. He has a close friendship with members of the American Football band, leading to multiple collaborations. A story fans still retell involves his initial hesitation to sing, fearing he wasn't ready, yet the band needed a change to move forward. [edit]

Brendan Yates maintains a strictly private personal life with no publicly confirmed records of romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. He resides in the Baltimore area, often cited as being deeply connected to the local community and skate culture. While he keeps his family matters out of the public eye, recent news has highlighted his support for his father following legal troubles involving former bandmate Brady Ebert. There is no public information confirming that he has any children. [edit]

Franz (Brendan Lukens), Pat Thompson, Hayley Williams, Matt Keaney, Beabadoobee[edit]

Brendan Yates is known for maintaining a strictly private personal life. There are no publicly confirmed records of romantic relationships, engagements, marriages, or children. Unlike many of his peers in the music industry, Yates does not discuss his dating history in interviews or on social media. As of 2026, he is reported to be single, with no verified partners or family members publicly identified in connection with him. He resides in the Baltimore area, often cited as being deeply connected to the local community and skate culture. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Brendan Yates's net worth at approximately $1.5 million. This figure reflects his earnings as the frontman of Turnstile, which commands significant ticket prices for arena shows, along with royalties from GLOW ON and Never Enough. Additional income streams include side projects like the American Football collaboration and features on Beabadoobee's Pylon. While real estate holdings are not publicly disclosed, he likely owns property in the Baltimore area. The estimate accounts for his touring revenue, album sales, and streaming royalties as of 2026. [edit]

Turnstile won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for GLOW ON in 2020, a win that includes Yates as a primary creative force. His contributions have been recognized through the band's collective achievements, and he is frequently cited in "Greatest of All Time" lists for modern hardcore and alternative rock. [edit]