For decades, rock music has been declared both alive and dead, celebrated and dismissed, fading into the shadows only to resurge in unexpected waves. With each new generation, questions arise about whether rock can still capture the hearts and minds of young listeners in a world dominated by hip-hop, pop, and electronic sounds. Now, a fiery, unapologetic band from Italy has stepped into the global spotlight, sparking a conversation too big to ignore: Can Måneskin save rock for Gen Z?
The four-piece band—Damiano David, Victoria De Angelis, Thomas Raggi, and Ethan Torchio—shot to international fame after winning Eurovision 2021. Since then, they’ve become more than just another European act with a viral hit. Måneskin represents something deeper: a bold, defiant revival of rock energy in an era where authenticity and rebellion resonate as strongly as streaming numbers.
Rock Music and Generational Shifts
Before exploring Måneskin’s role, it’s worth revisiting the idea of rock across generations.
- Baby Boomers had The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones—bands that defined the cultural revolution of the 1960s and ‘70s.
- Gen X embraced Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, carrying the angst and raw emotion of the ‘90s.
- Millennials gravitated toward pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock, with Green Day, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance shaping their teenage years.
But what about Gen Z, the generation raised on TikTok trends, hip-hop beats, and bedroom pop? Rock, for many of them, has seemed like a relic—something their parents or older siblings talked about. Until Måneskin crashed onto the scene with glam outfits, snarling riffs, and a rebellious energy that refuses to be ignored.
The Rise of Måneskin
Måneskin’s story is as unconventional as their sound. Formed in Rome in 2016, the group began as buskers performing on city streets. Within a few years, they were not only dominating Italy’s music charts but also taking on the world stage. Their Eurovision win with “Zitti e Buoni” was the spark—but it was their swagger, charisma, and unapologetic authenticity that turned the flame into a wildfire.
What makes Måneskin stand out isn’t just their music—it’s their presence. Damiano’s gravelly vocals, Victoria’s commanding bass lines, Thomas’ searing guitar, and Ethan’s thunderous drumming combine into a sound that’s both nostalgic and modern. They channel the spirit of rock legends but package it in a way that feels raw and relevant to Gen Z.
The Sound of Rebellion
At its core, rock has always been about rebellion—pushing back against norms, breaking boundaries, and amplifying voices that demand to be heard. Måneskin embodies this ethos in their fashion, performances, and lyrics.
- Musically, they blend hard rock riffs with glam-rock theatrics and pop accessibility, making their songs catchy yet intense.
- Visually, their androgynous fashion and bold stage presence scream defiance against conformity.
- Culturally, they aren’t afraid to address themes of freedom, sexuality, and self-expression—topics that resonate deeply with a generation eager for authenticity.
Songs like “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and “Beggin’” have become anthems not just because they’re infectious, but because they carry an energy that feels dangerous, sexy, and liberating.
Rock Meets Gen Z Culture
So why does Måneskin work so well for Gen Z?
- TikTok Virality
Their tracks, especially “Beggin’,” exploded on TikTok, proving that even guitar-driven songs can thrive on platforms built around short attention spans. - Fashion and Identity
Måneskin’s style—gender-fluid, provocative, fearless—aligns with Gen Z’s emphasis on individuality and freedom of expression. - Global Accessibility
Singing in both Italian and English, they bridge cultures and prove that rock’s appeal is universal. - Rebellious Spirit
Gen Z may not have grown up with classic rock, but they crave authenticity and disruption. Måneskin offers both in abundance.
Critics and the “Rock is Dead” Debate
Of course, no revival comes without its skeptics. Some rock purists argue that Måneskin is more glam-pop than true rock. Others claim they’re more of a fashion statement than a musical revolution. But perhaps these criticisms miss the point.
Every era of rock has been criticized by the generation before. Punk was dismissed as noise, grunge was mocked as sloppy, and alternative rock was seen as a watered-down version of its predecessors. Yet each subgenre brought new fans, new energy, and new cultural impact.
Måneskin may not be Led Zeppelin or Nirvana—but they don’t need to be. They’re carving out their own space, introducing rock to a generation that might have otherwise overlooked it.
Rock in the Streaming Era
One reason Måneskin’s Guinness-worthy momentum matters is the challenge of keeping rock relevant in the streaming era. Pop and hip-hop dominate Spotify playlists, while rock often gets left behind in niche corners.
But Måneskin has broken through that wall. They’ve proven that rock can thrive in digital culture—not by copying what’s popular, but by leaning into its uniqueness. Their global tours sell out arenas, their music racks up billions of streams, and their videos generate millions of views.
For Gen Z, Måneskin isn’t just a band—they’re a movement.
What Makes Them Different From Past Revivals
Many bands have tried to “bring rock back.” Some leaned heavily into nostalgia, others attempted to modernize the sound, but few succeeded in connecting with a younger audience.
Måneskin’s advantage lies in their authenticity. They aren’t pretending to be a throwback band. They’re not trapped in retro aesthetics. They’re modern, unapologetic, and fearless—yet they honor the raw energy that made rock legendary.
This balance—respecting the past while innovating for the present—is what makes them the best candidate to “save” rock for Gen Z.
The Power of Live Performances
If there’s one arena where Måneskin proves rock is alive and well, it’s on stage. Their live performances are chaotic, electric, and emotionally charged. Damiano prowls the stage like a modern-day Mick Jagger, Victoria commands attention with her bass and charisma, and the band feeds off the crowd’s energy.
For Gen Z, many of whom discovered music through headphones and screens, Måneskin introduces the visceral power of live rock—the sweat, the volume, the shared rebellion.
Can They Truly “Save” Rock?
The big question remains: Can Måneskin save rock for Gen Z? The answer depends on how we define “saving.”
- If saving rock means restoring it to its dominance of the ‘70s or ‘90s, then no—those eras are gone.
- But if saving rock means making it relevant again, reintroducing its rebellious spirit, and ensuring it thrives alongside pop and hip-hop, then Måneskin might just be the band to do it.
They’ve already done what few modern rock acts could: inspire millions of young fans, dominate global charts, and make rock feel dangerous again.
The Future of Rock Through Måneskin’s Lens
Looking ahead, Måneskin’s continued success could inspire a wave of new artists. Their visibility proves to young musicians that rock isn’t dead—it’s evolving. The next generation of bands may pick up guitars, blend genres, and push boundaries, all inspired by Måneskin’s example.
And even if they aren’t the sole saviors of rock, Måneskin has already ensured that the genre is alive, kicking, and impossible to ignore.
Conclusion: A Torch Passed to a New Generation
So, can Måneskin save rock for Gen Z? The answer is a resounding yes—but on their own terms. They aren’t here to replicate the past or satisfy critics longing for a golden age. They’re here to redefine what rock looks like, sounds like, and feels like for a new generation.
With their fearless energy, genre-bending sound, and undeniable charisma, Måneskin has reignited a fire many thought was gone. For Gen Z, they are proof that rock’s heartbeat still pounds loudly, defiantly, and with no intention of fading away.
Whether you call it a revival, a reinvention, or a revolution, one thing is clear: Måneskin has made rock cool again. And that might just be the greatest gift they’ve given to music.