If you were someone who spent their teenage years scribbling lyrics into the margins of notebooks, layering on black eyeliner and blasting pop-punk through wired headphones you’d understand that the early 2000s were far more than just a moment- they were a movement. Emo transcended a musical genre and became a home to the misunderstood and melodramatic, a lifeline for everyone who yearned to truly be seen. Over two decades later, emo is back in. Earlier this week, Destroy All lines announced An Emo Extravaganza- a nostalgic celebration of the albums that raised us and defined a generation.
Sweeping through Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in early 2026, the Extravaganza boasts a small but powerful lineup of bands that each left a permanent mark on the soundtrack of our youth: Anberlin, Cartel, Hot Chelle Rae, This Wild Life and Broadside. With the exception of Broadside, each act will be performing an iconic album in full, giving fans the chance to relive every chord, chorus and teenage heartbreak as it was meant to be heard.
Anberlin lead the charge, celebrating twenty years of Never Take Friendship Personal– a record that cemented their status as emo royalty. Released in 2005, it was the perfect balance of soaring emotion and energy, with anthems like “A Day Late” and “Paperthin Hymn”. It captured the tension between faith, doubt, love and loss, and its lyrics hit deep even now.
Then there’s Hot Chelle Rae, bringing their 2011 smash hit record Whatever back to life- one of the highlights for me personally. This album was the soundtrack to my early teenage years, with the concert at Melbourne’s Festival Hall being one of my first live music experiences. This pop-infused, high-energy record introduced the world to hits like “Tonight Tonight” and “I Like It Like That”- songs that were unapologetically fun. They may only have two original members these days, but their recent live performances have proven they’ve still got that infectious spark. For those who have a deep connection to this record, screaming every word back while holding three in the air (IYKYK) is going to be pure catharsis.
Cartel will be returning to Australia for the first time in over decade, bringing with them their 2005 masterpiece Chroma. Without a doubt one of the most influential albums of the pop-punk era, Chroma ticks all the boxes of an emo classic. Having recently shared the stage with The Jonas Brothers, Cartel are experiencing a well-deserved resurgence, and seeing Chroma live in its entirety is a gift for long-time fans.
Slightly newer faces Broadside may not have been around during emo’s original golden age, but their sound is soaked in the same spirit. With a beautiful blend of heartfelt lyricism and pop-punk energy, they fit seamlessly into this lineup and bridge the gap between generations. Their inclusion is also a reminder that emo isn’t just a relic of the past.
Finally, there’s This Wild Life, performing their 2014 acoustic record Clouded in full. Stripped-back and emotionally devastating in the best possible way, Clouded showcased their knack for turning heartbreak into art.
This Emo Extravaganza promises to be a celebration of the genre, bands and albums that shaped a generation, allowing the elder emo to relive their teenage years for a day, and giving newer fans the chance to experience the scene at its peak.
Emo Extravaganza Lineup
Anberlin (Performing Never Take Friendship Personal in full)
Cartel (Performing Chroma in full)
Hot Chelle Rae (Performing Whatever in full)
Broadside
This Wild Life (Performing Clouded in full)
Sunday, February 22nd – PICA, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, February 28th – Roundhouse, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, March 1st – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Tickets are on sale now. For tickets and info, click HERE.
Header image of Anberlin provided by PR
