The entity known as Charli xcx recently pivoted to making ‘rock music’ – at least, in name alone. While this likely seems like a troll for content, rock music’s popularity has remained fairly stable compared to other genres over the past century. The dance floor might be dead, but will the mosh pit remain eternal? And what does this sudden switch-up mean for those already meddling in heavier sounds? 

Obviously, we could’ve headed to The Shacklewell Arms or Camden to assess this, but realistically, London is a bubble and rock fans exist all over the planet. So, when Korn’s PR reached out about their sold-out headline show in Mexico City, the closing gig on their Latin America tour, it was the perfect opportunity for some boots on the ground journalism. After all, Korn were the founding legends of rock’s golden era, dominating the MTV airwaves and featuring in many of the biggest late-90s, early-00s pop culture moments. The band have been featured in everything from South Park and The Simpsons to Daria and Gilmore Girls. Not only did they go double-platinum on my CD player, they also won a Grammy in 2003. Today, with a newly released track for critically acclaimed action-RPG game Diablo IV and new music being cooked up in the studio, the fans are still obsessed.

Hours before the Korn show kicked off in Mexico, fans met outside the Palacio de los Deportes venue to trade handmade badges, stickers and other trinkets in a gesture that felt more in-line with K-pop stans and hardcore Swifites than anything that I’ve seen from UK rock crowds. Distracting myself from the urge to purchase a full outfit worth of knock-offs and despite the language barrier, I caught up with some of these fans before the rain dampened the palpable excitement. Is rock music here to stay?

ALEJANDRO (42) AND ALEXIA (17)

Alejandro: Korn are my favourite band and a significant soundtrack in my life. Jonathan Davis helped me across so many problems in my life. I used to have suicidal thoughts but, when I listened to his sound in Blind, Clown, Daddy, I felt the same fury in the music. I thought, ‘Oh my god, it's amazing – explosive and intense.’ This music and its force related to my problems at the time. I’m from Agua Coyote, but I currently live in Atizapán, I work downtown, and I have many friends with whom I share a lot. We all agree that Korn is the cement of our general being. 

NAVANI (19) AND JIMENA (20)

Navani: Korn saved my life. I feel all the power and energy in their songs. I also like metal and dreads. The mosh is the best therapy. I think rock music is a kind of protest to the world.

Jimena: Rock is liberating. We win people over because of how taboo we are.

LESLIE (19) AND EBONY (20)

Leslie: I’ve been a fan of Korn, since maybe three years ago. I’m really excited to be here. Genres that aren’t metal music feel fake a lot of the time.

RODRIGO (37) AND CAROLINA (37)

Rodrigo: When I was young, I was really into nu metal music. I had an uncle, and he showed me rock music. Korn is really special to me, it reminds me of my uncle. He passed away eight years ago. He actually looked a little bit like Jonathan Davis; he used to wear really baggy shorts and long hair with a lot of tattoos. He was a very cool uncle. Rock music sets you free. It gets into your bones and your soul and makes you really happy.

Carolina: I used to listen to pop music but I have an older brother and he showed me nu metal which was our thing when we were kids, so seeing Korn is amazing for me. It’s like my third or fourth time, It’s freaking amazing to watch them, they play every show very differently.

DAVID (26) AND AJAX (22)

David: I’m a really big fan of nu metal, Korn is one of the most important bands for this genre. It’s my first time watching their show. I’m excited.

Ajax: They’ve had a huge influence on my life and have been one of the biggest inspirations behind my current band and many of the projects I’ve worked on over the years. I’m really happy to be here today, although I’m still looking for a ticket [laughs]. 

FERNANDA (17) AND MIGUEL (14)

Fernanda: It’s our first time seeing Korn and their first show! You can find rockers everywhere here in Mexico. I live in Toluca, they are everywhere there too.

ELLIE (27) AND VICTOR (29)

Ellie: Two years ago I got really into nu metal, and Korn is now one of my favourite bands. This kind of music brings people together – my friends mostly listen to pop, but I met [Victor’s] because we both liked Bring Me The Horizon. Rock music helps so many people to find their own community.