Hardcore punk draws boyband crowd

It used to be reserved for the most hardcore of punk music. Short for emotional hardcore, 'emo' was a title saved for the most impassioned and chaotic of bands.

But time has watered down the once extreme genre, as last night's Panic! At the Disco gig at Auckland's St James proved.

The all ages concert, which sold out within two days of tickets going on sale, attracted a young, largely female crowd - similar to those 90s' boy band the Backstreet Boys once drew.

Twelve-year-olds Andi and Gabrielle from Manurewa were just two of the young ladies out to see the Las Vegas band. After the show, a star-struck Andi said: "The concert was so awesome! It was a great experience, one that I will never forget."

Panic! At the Disco, best known for their hit single I Write Sins Not Tragedies, are a prime example of the increasingly mainstream genre.

For those not in the know (and you're not alone), emo is defined by Urban Dictionary as: "Punk music on oestrogen. Often acoustic guitar with soft, high male vocals that dwell on the singer's feelings, especially melancholy remembrances of past relationships/mistakes in life."

Followers of the genre, often called "emo kids" can generally be identified by their tight black jeans, tight band t-shirts and excessive eye make up.

This Sunday will see a further congregation of emo kids, at the day-long Taste of Chaos festival at Auckland's St James.

The all ages show will feature international bands Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, Anti-Flag, Underoath, Senses Fail and Saosin. Local lads Cold by Winter will also perform.