LITHIÜM: The Rising Popularity Of 80s And 90s Rock
Rock’n’ roll is often associated with the 80s and the 90s; different generations listened to rock with its juvenile power and unambiguous lyrics.
Fast forward to 2024, and the genre is resurfacing among music enthusiasts. This new interest is being tapped into by events like LITHIÜM that kicked off in June 2024; although the event sold out its first night, people look forward to the next one coming up on 30th November.
But why is this revival of 80s and 90s rock music gaining traction among today’s youth? What fuels the fascination with these decades-old songs?
Observing the crowd at LITHIÜM, one thing is clear: young people are turning to the past, immersing themselves in the raw, unfiltered music of the 80s and 90s. Surrounded by saturated with polished pop and electronic beats, there’s a collective longing for something real music that feels unrefined, emotional, and deeply expressive.
The melodies, lyrics, and even the angst of these classic tracks resonate across generations, creating a shared experience that bridges the gap between the present and the heyday of rock.
For Sean Cassar, the founder and owner of LITHIÜM, this resurgence of rock offered the perfect opportunity to create something different. He explained to Lovin Malta:
“A lot of events were mostly techno or radio music—same vibe, different night. The only exception was Black Plague, which occasionally played rock. But even they mainly focused on trap music.”
Then, as these stories often go, inspiration struck. “One night, I was out with mates—rockers like me—chatting with a former organiser of Basstek. That’s when it hit me: why not create a fully rock-focused event? Something that catered to different tastes within the genre because, let’s face it, if you’re into Limp Bizkit, chances are you also enjoy Nirvana.”
Why Does Old Rock Resonate with the New Generation?
Hence, the best justification for the continued interest and entrenchment of rock is in its originality. No matter what it may be, rebellion or love, anger or sadness, the first songs of The Cure or System of a Down seem timeless.
Nevertheless, there are challenges to today’s rock scene.
“Big labels play it safe, sticking with established acts,” says Cassar. “New bands have to compete with rock legends, which makes breaking through tough.”
Despite this, rock thrives in underground spaces, where creativity isn’t stifled by commercial pressures.
The Personal Connection
For many, the love of rock is passed down through generations.
“My dad was a metalhead, and my mum loved bands like The Cure. Their playlists shaped me,” says Cassar.
So, is old rock still relevant? Absolutely.
If anything, it’s the beating heart of a culture that refuses to settle for monotony. LITHIÜM is reminding us that rock isn’t dead; it’s just been waiting for the right moment—and the right crowd—to crank up the volume back up to 11.
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