From emo to nu metal: why 2000s bands are striking a chord with Gen Z in Southeast Asia

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Ushar DanieleJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:54 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Early 2000s Western bands, spanning genres from emo to nu metal, are experiencing a surge in popularity among Gen Z fans in Southeast Asia. Bands like My Chemical Romance are selling out large venues in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Jakarta, despite their initial popularity predating the birth of many of these younger fans. The high demand has even led to added concert dates. Music experts suggest this resurgence is driven by a Gen Z preference for the authenticity of these bands compared to contemporary pop music. This trend highlights a renewed appreciation for the music of the early 2000s among a generation that largely missed its initial release.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

TONGTONG Asia 40% Bukit Jalil National Stadium 50% Hello Universe 50% Manila 50% PULP Live World 50% Jakarta International Stadium 50% Tang Eu Jin 50% Kuala Lumpur 60% Blue ×260% Gen Z ×280% Southeast Asia ×390% My Chemical Romance (MCR) ×490%

Keywords

gen z 100% 2000s bands 90% southeast asia 90% my chemical romance 80% reunion tours 70% music trends 60% concert tickets 50% pop culture 50% emo 40% nu metal 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Southeast Asia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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gen z 2000s bands southeast asia my chemical romance reunion tours music trends concert tickets pop culture emo nu metal

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