I don't think it's weird at all, just a natural progression. The reason why punk performances were usually more intimate, unorthodox settings was because it wasn't mainstream enough. But now kids as young as 12 and 13 want to go see Green Day and their parents do as well. Hence, more fans...
I have, and since I was unfamiliar with Middle Eastern history and politics it was kind of difficult, but rewarding at the same time since now I am quite interested and informed in Islam, unlike many. I remember learning about the Ottoman Empire.