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Metallica frontman James Hetfield said Turnstile declined an offer to tour with the band, explaining that the hardcore group was doing well on its own. Hetfield praised Turnstile’s live performances and urged listeners to see them play. The source report does not specify when the offer was made or which tour it concerned.
Metallica frontman James Hetfield said Turnstile turned down an offer to tour with Metallica, telling listeners on his SiriusXM show that the hardcore band was already doing well on its own. Hetfield praised the group’s live performances after Turnstile played to a reported crowd of 60,000 people on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, though he did not say when Metallica made the offer or which tour it involved.
Speaking on Riff Life, his SiriusXM show, Hetfield said Metallica wanted Turnstile to join them on tour. He said the band declined because it was “doing good on their own already.” The account of the exchange comes from a report by Stereogum; the available source material does not include a statement from Turnstile confirming Hetfield’s description.
Hetfield complimented the band’s sound in concert and encouraged listeners to see them live. “Like many, many bands, they sound great on their records and recordings,” he said. “But man, when you see them live, you totally get it.” His remarks came after Turnstile’s recent National Mall performance, which the source report said drew 60,000 people.
Hetfield also said Metallica members had spent time with Turnstile and described the musicians as “super cool” and “super fun.” He referred to guitarist Meg Mills when he noted that the band had a woman playing in its lineup. The source report does not provide further detail about the conversation or the proposed tour arrangement.
Turnstile’s Touring Choice
The comments point to a potential touring opportunity between two prominent heavy-music acts that did not go ahead. A Metallica support slot could have put Turnstile in front of audiences gathered for the larger band, but Hetfield’s account indicates the group chose to continue on its own rather than accept the offer.
That choice is relevant as Turnstile draws attention beyond its existing audience. Its National Mall show, reported at 60,000 attendees, provides a recent example of the scale of its live reach. Hetfield’s praise may also bring fresh listeners to the band, although the remarks do not establish that Turnstile’s decision was based on any particular business or artistic strategy.
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Metallica and Turnstile’s Recent Connections
Hetfield said the musicians had hung out together before, and the source report noted that he was spotted watching Turnstile from the side of the stage a couple of years ago. Those details suggest some prior familiarity, but the report does not say whether that contact led to the tour invitation.
Metallica has also brought a hardcore act onto its touring bill: Knocked Loose opened for the European leg of the M72 World Tour earlier this year, according to the source material. That is a separate booking and does not clarify when Turnstile received its offer, whether it was tied to M72, or what dates Metallica proposed.
““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
Tour Offer Details Remain Unknown
The available report does not identify when Metallica made the offer, which tour or dates were discussed, or whether the invitation was formal. It also does not include a direct response from Turnstile, so the explanation that the band was doing well independently is attributed to Hetfield rather than independently confirmed by the group.
There is no indication that the offer remains open or that the bands are discussing a future booking. Hetfield’s praise is clear, but it should not be read as confirmation of a planned collaboration or upcoming Metallica appearance by Turnstile.
No Joint Tour Announced
No further touring arrangement between Metallica and Turnstile is announced in the source material. The immediate next step would be any comment from Turnstile or additional information from Hetfield about the invitation, including its timing and proposed dates.
For now, the confirmed development is limited to Hetfield’s account on Riff Life: Metallica wanted Turnstile on tour, and, he said, the band declined. Readers can expect more detail only if either group provides it or announces a future shared bill.
Key Questions
Did Turnstile turn down a Metallica tour offer?
James Hetfield said they did. On his SiriusXM show, he said Metallica wanted Turnstile on tour and that the group declined because it was doing well on its own. The source report does not include a separate confirmation from Turnstile.
Why did Turnstile decline the offer?
According to Hetfield, Turnstile said it was “doing good on their own already.” No further explanation from the band is included in the report.
Which Metallica tour was the offer for?
The report does not say which tour or dates Metallica proposed. It also does not establish whether the invitation was connected to the M72 World Tour.
What did Hetfield say about Turnstile?
Hetfield praised the band’s live sound and energy, called its members “super cool” and “super fun,” and encouraged listeners to see them perform.
Is Turnstile scheduled to tour with Metallica?
No joint tour is announced in the source material. Hetfield described an offer that Turnstile declined; he did not announce a future booking.
Source: stereogum.com
