National Emo Day Timeline

2002

Emo's mainstream breakthrough

This year saw huge sales for Jimmy Eat World and Weezer albums — causing Spin magazine to declare it "the year of emo."

1996

"Pinkerton" released

Weezer's sophomore album received generally negative reviews, but young kids just getting into alternative music turned out in big numbers. The album helped establish the emo "look" and aesthetic.

1985

Rites of Spring

This hardcore punk band released their only album, which later emo artists would cite as an important influence.