My Chemical Romance is an American rock band hailing from New Jersey, composed of Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero, and Mikey Way. A highly influential group of the 2000s, they significantly impacted the pop-punk and emo scenes, although the band themselves have distanced themselves from the 'emo' label. They are widely regarded as one of the most important rock groups of their era.
September 2001: Band Formation
In September 2001, My Chemical Romance was formed by Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro, and drummer Matt Pelissier.
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2002: Frank Iero Joins Band
In 2002, Frank Iero joined My Chemical Romance after Pencey Prep's split, just days before the recording of the band's debut album.
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2002: Debut Album Release
In 2002, My Chemical Romance released their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love through Eyeball Records, produced by Geoff Rickly.
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2002: Debut Album Release
In 2002, My Chemical Romance signed with Eyeball Records and released their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love.
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August 31, 2003: Signing with Reprise Records
On August 31, 2003, My Chemical Romance announced they had signed a deal with Reprise Records.
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June 8, 2004: Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge Release
On June 8, 2004, My Chemical Romance released their second album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.
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2004: Major Label Debut
In 2004, My Chemical Romance signed with Reprise Records and released their major-label debut album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.
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2005: MCR tours with Green Day and Warped Tour
In 2005, My Chemical Romance participated in major tours, including the "Green Day Presents American Idiot Tour" with Green Day and the Warped Tour. These tours expanded their reach and fanbase.
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2005: Touring and Collaboration
In 2005, My Chemical Romance was featured on the Taste of Chaos tour, opened for Green Day, co-headlined Warped Tour, and collaborated with The Used for a tsunami relief single.
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March 2006: Life on the Murder Scene Release
In March 2006, My Chemical Romance released Life on the Murder Scene, a CD and two DVD set including a documentary, music videos, and live performances.
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April 10, 2006: Third Album Recording Begins
On April 10, 2006, My Chemical Romance started recording their third studio album with Rob Cavallo, who has produced many of Green Day's albums.
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June 2006: Unauthorized Biography DVD Release
In June 2006, an unauthorized biography DVD, Things That Make You Go MMM!, about My Chemical Romance was released, featuring interviews with people who knew the band before they achieved mainstream success.
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August 3, 2006: Music Video Filming
On August 3, 2006, My Chemical Romance completed shooting the videos for "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Famous Last Words". During filming of the latter, Gerard Way and Bob Bryar were injured.
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August 22, 2006: London Hammersmith Palais Show
On August 22, 2006, My Chemical Romance played a sold-out show at the London Hammersmith Palais, where the album title was confirmed.
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September 11, 2006: "Welcome to the Black Parade" Single Release
On September 11, 2006, My Chemical Romance released "Welcome to the Black Parade" as a single.
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October 2006: "Welcome to the Black Parade" Number One in the UK
In October 2006, My Chemical Romance's single, "Welcome to the Black Parade" became their first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.
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October 23, 2006: The Black Parade Album Release
On October 23, 2006, My Chemical Romance released The Black Parade.
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2006: "The Black Parade" Ranked Fourth-Greatest Album of 2006 by Kerrang!
In 2006, Kerrang! rated My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade" as the fourth-greatest album of the year.
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2006: The Black Parade Release
In 2006, My Chemical Romance released The Black Parade, a rock opera concept album, which became a major commercial success. The album solidified the band's following, despite negative coverage in the Daily Mail generating controversy.
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2006: Media Characterization as "Emo"
In 2006, the British tabloid Daily Mail characterized My Chemical Romance and their fans as "emo" and a "cult of self-harm."
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2006: The Black Parade album release
The Black Parade album was originally released in 2006, and My Chemical Romance performed it in its entirety at When We Were Young Festival in 2024.
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January 2007: "Famous Last Words" Release
In January 2007, My Chemical Romance released the music video "Famous Last Words".
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February 22, 2007: The Black Parade World Tour Start
On February 22, 2007, My Chemical Romance started The Black Parade World Tour, featuring Rise Against and Muse as support acts.
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April 2007: Mikey Way's Temporary Tour Departure
In April 2007, Mikey Way temporarily left The Black Parade World Tour to spend time with his new wife.
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September 3, 2007: End of Projekt Revolution 2007
On September 3, 2007, My Chemical Romance's participation in Projekt Revolution 2007 concluded. During this tour, Gerard Way married Mindless Self Indulgence bassist Lindsay "Lyn Z" Ballato.
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October 2007: The Black Parade Concerts
In October 2007, My Chemical Romance held the final Black Parade concert in Mexico and a small show at Maxwell's in New Jersey.
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October 2007: MCR opens for Bon Jovi
In October 2007, following the Projekt Revolution tour, My Chemical Romance opened for Bon Jovi. This opportunity marked a significant achievement in their career, exposing them to a broader audience.
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2007: NME Awards
In 2007, My Chemical Romance won the award for Best International Band at the NME Awards, and Gerard Way also won the Hero of the Year award.
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2007: Influences Listed in Kerrang!
In a 2007 issue of Kerrang!, My Chemical Romance listed the songs and bands that influenced their music.
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May 2008: Last Concert Before Secret Shows
In May 2008, My Chemical Romance played their last concert before the "secret" shows in Los Angeles in July 2009, at Madison Square Garden.
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May 16, 2008: Daily Mail Article on Emo Culture
On May 16, 2008, the Daily Mail published an article titled "Why no child is safe from the sinister cult of emo", linking My Chemical Romance to the suicide of a thirteen-year-old girl.
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2008: The Black Parade Is Dead! Release
In 2008, My Chemical Romance released a live DVD/CD collection titled The Black Parade Is Dead!, which includes two concerts from October 2007.
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February 2009: "Desolation Row" Single Release
In February 2009, My Chemical Romance released a new single titled "Desolation Row", a cover of the Bob Dylan song for the film Watchmen.
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April 10, 2009: ¡Venganza! Release
On April 10, 2009, My Chemical Romance released ¡Venganza!, a collection of live videos from the Mexico City show from October 2007.
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August 1, 2009: Secret Show at The Roxy Theater
On August 1, 2009, My Chemical Romance played one of two "secret" shows at The Roxy Theater in Los Angeles and premiered several new songs from their upcoming fourth album, including "Party Poison".
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November 2009: Gerard Way discusses fourth album
In November 2009, Gerard Way stated in an interview with Rock Sound that their fourth album would be their defining work.
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2009: Conventional Weapons Recording
In 2009, My Chemical Romance recorded a series of singles that would later be released in 2012 under the collective title Conventional Weapons.
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2009: Recordings from the "Conventional Weapons" sessions
The "Conventional Weapons" songs were recorded in 2009, prior to the making of Danger Days.
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March 3, 2010: Bob Bryar Leaves the Band
On March 3, 2010, Iero announced on their official website that Bob Bryar had left the band.
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March 2010: Way discusses the new album in an MTV interview
In a March 2010 MTV interview, Way explained that the new album had no title at the time, but he was happy with the songs.
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September 22, 2010: "Na Na Na" Premieres
On September 22, 2010, My Chemical Romance premiered their song "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)" on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show and Los Angeles-based radio station KROQ-FM.
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October 12, 2010: "The Only Hope for Me Is You" Released
On October 12, 2010, My Chemical Romance released "The Only Hope for Me Is You" as the second single from Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
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November 22, 2010: Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys Released
On November 22, 2010, My Chemical Romance released their fourth studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
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2010: Bob Bryar's departure
Bob Bryar was the last drummer for My Chemical Romance who served the band full-time before his 2010 departure.
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2010: Danger Days Release
In 2010, My Chemical Romance released their fourth studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
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2010: Michael Pedicone joins as a touring drummer
Late in 2010, Michael Pedicone joined the band as a touring drummer, replacing Bob Bryar.
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February 12, 2011: Wembley Arena Performance
During a performance at Wembley Arena on February 12, 2011, Gerard Way announced that the band would be appearing at a UK festival later in the year.
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February 2011: "Sing" Featured on Glee
In February 2011, My Chemical Romance's song "Sing" was featured and covered on the US musical drama TV series Glee.
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April 28, 2011: Glenn Beck Labels "Sing" as Propaganda
On April 28, 2011, Glenn Beck labeled My Chemical Romance's song "Sing" as "propaganda" after it was featured on the TV series Glee.
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May 15, 2011: Radio 1's Big Weekend Performance
On May 15, 2011, My Chemical Romance performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle, England.
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May 23, 2011: Announcement of joint tour with Blink-182
On May 23, 2011, My Chemical Romance and Blink-182 announced their joint tour of the United States, gathering at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in West Hollywood to mark the event. This collaboration signified a major event in the pop-punk/alternative scene.
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September 2, 2011: Michael Pedicone Fired
On September 2, 2011, Frank Iero announced that Michael Pedicone was fired from My Chemical Romance for stealing from the band.
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September 4, 2011: Jarrod Alexander Announced as Touring Drummer
On September 4, 2011, it was revealed that Jarrod Alexander would be the new touring drummer for My Chemical Romance for the remainder of the Honda Civic tour.
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October 2011: Frank Iero reveals new music could be out by summer
In an October 2011 interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Frank Iero revealed that new My Chemical Romance music could be released "by summer".
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December 18, 2011: Yo Gabba Gabba! Appearance
On December 18, 2011, My Chemical Romance appeared on Nick Jr. Channel's Yo Gabba Gabba!, performing the song "Every Snowflake Is Different (Just Like You)".
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February 2012: Building a Studio in Los Angeles
In February 2012, My Chemical Romance members began building a studio in Los Angeles to record music for their fifth album (MCR5), with James Dewees as an official member.
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September 2012: Conventional Weapons Project Announced
In September 2012, My Chemical Romance announced a new project titled Conventional Weapons, revolving around 10 unreleased songs recorded in 2009.
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October 2012: MCR Album progress
According to the October 2012 issue of Q Magazine, Frank Iero reported that the early sessions for MCR's next album with the new drummer Jarrod Alexander were progressing well.
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2012: Conventional Weapons singles released and addition of James Dewees
In 2012, My Chemical Romance released a series of singles recorded in 2009 under the title Conventional Weapons, and added James Dewees as a touring keyboardist.
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February 2013: Conventional Weapons Concludes
In February 2013, My Chemical Romance finished releasing two songs each month for five months from the Conventional Weapons sessions.
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March 22, 2013: Band Breakup
On March 22, 2013, My Chemical Romance announced their breakup.
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May 24, 2013: Ray Toro Releases "Isn't That Something"
On May 24, 2013, Ray Toro released a solo song titled "Isn't That Something".
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November 19, 2013: No Country for Old Musicians Release
On November 19, 2013, Frank Iero collaborated with James Dewees in Reggie and the Full Effect, releasing "No Country for Old Musicians".
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February 2014: Electric Century Formed and "I Lied" Released
In February 2014, Mikey Way formed Electric Century with David Debiak and released their debut single "I Lied".
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March 25, 2014: May Death Never Stop You Released
On March 25, 2014, My Chemical Romance released a greatest hits collection, titled May Death Never Stop You.
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August 25, 2014: Stomachaches Released
On August 25, 2014, Frank Iero released his solo album Stomachaches under the moniker "frnkiero andthe cellabration".
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September 29, 2014: Gerard Way's Hesitant Alien Released in the UK
On September 29, 2014, Gerard Way's debut solo album Hesitant Alien was released in the UK.
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2014: Greatest Hits Album Release
In 2014, My Chemical Romance released a greatest hits album titled May Death Never Stop You.
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2014: Last Song Released Before "The Foundations of Decay"
My Chemical Romance had not released a song since 2014 before releasing "The Foundations of Decay".
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January 1, 2015: Ray Toro Releases "For the Lost and Brave"
On January 1, 2015, Ray Toro released a new song, "For the Lost and Brave", dedicating it to Leelah Alcorn.
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March 10, 2015: Electric Century EP Announced
On March 10, 2015, Electric Century announced their debut self-titled EP.
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April 18, 2015: Electric Century EP Released
On April 18, 2015, Electric Century's self-titled EP was released on Record Store Day.
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July 20, 2016: Cryptic Video Posted Online
On July 20, 2016, My Chemical Romance posted a cryptic video on their social media pages, hinting at a possible reunion.
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2016: The Black Parade Tenth Anniversary Reissue
In 2016, My Chemical Romance released a tenth-anniversary reissue of The Black Parade.
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2016: Nylon on The Black Parade
In 2016, Nylon described My Chemical Romance's album, The Black Parade, as a concept album that exploited the digital age, being musically a rock opera. This underscores the album's ambition and impact on music.
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2017: Private reunion
In 2017, My Chemical Romance reunited privately, away from the public eye, laying the groundwork for their eventual public comeback.
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2017: My Chemical Romance secretly regrouped
My Chemical Romance first regrouped in 2017 and had been working together since then, before the official 2019 announcement.
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October 31, 2019: Reunion Show Announcement
On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced a reunion show in Los Angeles.
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December 20, 2019: Reunion Show
On December 20, 2019, My Chemical Romance performed their reunion show in Los Angeles.
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2019: MCR reunion announcement and queer fans
In 2019, following My Chemical Romance's reunion announcement on Halloween, numerous LGBTQ+ individuals expressed that MCR either initiated their queer awakening or supported their queerness, reflecting the band's strong connection with the LGBT community.
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January 2020: Reunion Tour Announcement
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced additional shows and a Reunion Tour.
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January 2020: Stadium MK Concerts Announced and North American Tour
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced concerts at Stadium MK and a North American tour.
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January 28, 2020: Milton Keynes concerts announced
On January 28, 2020, My Chemical Romance announced plans to perform three concerts in Milton Keynes (UK) on June 18, 20, and 21, 2020, generating excitement for their return to the stage.
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January 29, 2020: North American tour announced
On January 29, 2020, My Chemical Romance announced a North American tour, further solidifying their comeback plans. The tour was highly anticipated by fans across the continent.
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January 31, 2020: North American Tour Sells Out
On January 31, 2020, tickets for My Chemical Romance's North American tour sold out in less than six hours.
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April 2020: Milton Keynes events postponed due to COVID-19
In April 2020, My Chemical Romance postponed its Milton Keynes events, initially to June 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing disappointment among fans.
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June 2020: North American tour postponed
In June 2020, My Chemical Romance postponed all North American events to September and October 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2020: Kerrang! deems MCR rock superstars
In 2020, Kerrang! called My Chemical Romance "the rock superstars of the 21st century," emphasizing their significant musical and cultural impact. This statement recognizes their influence on the current music scene and alternative rock.
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2020: My Chemical Romance resumes live performances
My Chemical Romance initially schedules dates in Australia, Japan and New Zealand for 2020.
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April 2021: Milton Keynes concert postponed again
In April 2021, the Milton Keynes concert was postponed again to May 2022 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This marked another setback for the band's touring plans.
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June 2021: Further postponement of Milton Keynes events
In June 2021, My Chemical Romance's Milton Keynes concert was postponed again, this time to May 2022, due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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October 2021: North American tour postponed
In October 2021, My Chemical Romance was forced to postpone all North American events, rescheduling to 2022 due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2021: Tour postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all of the shows on the tour that were set to begin in 2020 were postponed to 2021, including the North American leg.
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May 12, 2022: "The Foundations of Decay" Released
On May 12, 2022, My Chemical Romance released "The Foundations of Decay", their first new song since 2014.
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May 2022: Milton Keynes concert postponed again
In May 2022, the Milton Keynes concert was postponed again. The rest of the tour was later postponed to 2022. This highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on the band's touring plans.
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May 16, 2022: The Tour Commences
My Chemical Romance commenced their reunion tour on May 16, 2022, at the Eden Project.
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2022: Reunion Tour Commencement
In 2022, My Chemical Romance's Reunion Tour commenced after a two-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2022: The Guardian on MCR's reunion
In 2022, The Guardian reflected on My Chemical Romance's career, noting that they were "unlikely superstars" during their peak and that their reunion tour would see them return to a pop cultural landscape they helped define. This highlights the band's lasting influence on the music scene.
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2022: Retrospective on Backlash
In a 2022 retrospective, The Guardian described the backlash against My Chemical Romance and emo music as a "moral panic."
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2023: Reunion Tour Conclusion
In early 2023, My Chemical Romance's Reunion Tour concluded.
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November 2024: Death of Bob Bryar
In November 2024, Bob Bryar, former drummer of My Chemical Romance, was found dead at his home.
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2024: Headline Performance at When We Were Young Festival
In 2024, My Chemical Romance headlined the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, performing The Black Parade in its entirety.
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2025: Long Live The Black Parade Tour Announced
Following the 2024 When We Were Young Festival performance, My Chemical Romance announced the Long Live The Black Parade North American stadium tour in 2025, where they will perform The Black Parade in its entirety.
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