Emo is back: a nostalgia overload fuels a resurgence in 90s trends

The past is not dead. It’s simply…returning. From endless movie reboots to the baffling return of early social media, we’re collectively seeking refuge in the familiar comforts of yesteryear. And right now, that comfort comes in the form of a full-blown emo revival.

My chemical romance’s tour signals a larger trend

The announcement of My Chemical Romance’s 20-year anniversary tour, kicking off in Liverpool today, isn’t just a celebration of a seminal album – it’s a symptom. A potent signal that the aesthetic anxieties and stylistic sensibilities of the mid-2000s are staging a dramatic comeback. We’re talking frosted tips, black lipstick, and a whole lot of angst – and it’s happening now.

For those who missed it (and frankly, you were missing out), 2006 was a different era. Gerard Way was already a fashion vanguard, a meticulously crafted image of red eyeshadow, a striped tie, and perpetually greasy black hair. MySpace was the portal to musical discovery, a dial-up nightmare connecting teenagers obsessed with bands like Deftones and, of course, My Chemical Romance. Hours were spent waiting for grainy music videos on Scuzz or MTV2, fueled by Kerrang! magazines plastered with the faces of rock gods. It was a tactile experience, a deeply ingrained part of the adolescent landscape – and it’s being relentlessly resurrected.

The echoes of indie sleaze

Following the initial emo wave came the late 2000s ‘indie sleaze,’ a gloriously messy aesthetic defined by skinny jeans, Alexander McQueen skull scarves, and those infamous American Apparel purple hoodies. But don’t mistake this for a fleeting fad. The elements of that era – oversized flannels, ripped tights, and a general air of deliberate dishevelment – are already flooding the streets, thanks in part to brands like Chopova Lowena and Ashley Williams. It’s not just a revival; it’s a reimagining, a subtle shift that feels both nostalgic and undeniably modern.

Demand for My Chemical Romance tickets is surging, with searches jumping 22% following the tour announcement and skyrocketing 185% around the Three Cheers anniversary. Deftones are contributing significantly, with tracks like ‘White Guy’ experiencing a massive resurgence on TikTok, connecting them with a new generation and even landing them a collaboration with Marc Jacobs’ Heaven. Look closely – you'll find Frogged military jackets, rib-cage jumpers, and headphone-printed tees, echoes of Camden Market's heyday.

Don’t expect a gentle return

This isn’t a polite, curated nostalgia. It’s a full-throttle, mosh-pit-ready embrace of the past. Outbreak festival in London this August and Bring Me The Horizon’s special 20th anniversary show in Manchester are just the beginning. Static Dress, Rolo Tomassi, and Dying Wish are rounding out the lineup – a testament to the enduring power of this era. Frankly, it’s a relief to see this level of enthusiasm.

So, brace yourselves. The dark side is calling. I’ll be in the mosh pit.