Trampled by Turtles

Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Trampled by Turtles has been captivating audiences with their high-energy blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock since 2003.

Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles

Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Trampled by Turtles has been captivating audiences with their high-energy blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock since 2003.

Artist Links

Trampled by Turtles Bio

Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, Trampled by Turtles has been captivating audiences with their high-energy blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock since 2003. Formed by frontman Dave Simonett, the band came together after an unexpected turn of events left Simonett with only an acoustic guitar. Inspired to create something fresh and unplugged, he enlisted a group of musicians who were also newcomers to bluegrass. This included fiddler Ryan Young, bassist Tim Saxhaug, mandolinist Erik Berry, and banjo player Dave Carroll, each contributing to the band’s dynamic, genre-defying sound.

Trampled by Turtles released their debut album Songs from a Ghost Town in 2004, laying the groundwork for their unique take on bluegrass. Over the years, their albums have bridged the gap between acoustic traditions and the raw intensity of rock & roll. Their 2008 release Duluth earned them recognition on the Billboard bluegrass charts, propelling the band into the festival spotlight. By 2010, Palomino debuted at the top of the bluegrass chart and stayed in the Top Ten for over a year.

Their 2012 album Stars and Satellites marked a crossover moment, landing at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and earning them spots at major festivals like Coachella, ACL Fest, and Lollapalooza. Known for their compelling live performances, the band released Live at First Avenue in 2013, recorded at Minnesota’s iconic venue. A year later, they delivered the critically acclaimed, darker-toned Wild Animals. These successes cemented their place as a leading force in modern bluegrass and folk music.

With countless tours alongside acts like Wilco, Caamp, Mt. Joy, and Lord Huron, Trampled by Turtles continues to push the boundaries of their craft. Their latest album, Alpenglow (2022), produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, showcases their evolving sound while staying true to their roots.

Trampled by Turtles brings unmatched energy and emotion to every stage they step on — a performance not to be missed!

SHARE THIS BIO WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Stay Up To Date and Join Our Newsletter

Name(Required)