History of My Chemical Romance in Timeline
My Chemical Romance is an influential American rock band formed in New Jersey. Led by Gerard Way, and featuring Ray Toro, Frank Iero, and Mikey Way, the band rose to prominence in the 2000s. While often associated with the emo and pop-punk genres, the band themselves have rejected the 'emo' label. They are considered a major act in the rock music scene of the 2000s.
September 2001: Formation of My Chemical Romance
In September 2001, My Chemical Romance was formed by Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro, and drummer Matt Pelissier.
2002: Frank Iero Joins My Chemical Romance
In 2002, Frank Iero joined My Chemical Romance days before the recording of their debut album, following the split of Pencey Prep.
2002: Release of Debut Album 'I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love'
In 2002, My Chemical Romance released their debut album, "I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love", through Eyeball Records.
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".
August 31, 2003: Signing with Reprise Records
On August 31, 2003, My Chemical Romance announced they had signed a deal with Reprise Records.
June 8, 2004: Release of 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge'
On June 8, 2004, My Chemical Romance released their second album, "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge".
2004: Major-Label Debut and Personnel Change
In 2004, My Chemical Romance signed with Reprise Records and released their major-label debut album, "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge". Shortly after the album's release in 2004, Matt Pelissier was replaced by Bob Bryar.
2005: Touring and Collaboration with The Used
In 2005, My Chemical Romance participated in the Taste of Chaos tour, opened for Green Day, co-headlined Warped Tour, and collaborated with The Used for a tsunami relief single.
2005: Green Day & Warped Tour
In 2005, My Chemical Romance toured with Green Day on the "Green Day Presents American Idiot Tour" and participated in the Warped Tour.
March 2006: Release of 'Life on the Murder Scene'
In March 2006, My Chemical Romance released "Life on the Murder Scene", which included a CD and two DVDs covering the band's history and performances.
April 10, 2006: Start of Recording Third Studio Album
On April 10, 2006, My Chemical Romance began recording their third studio album with Rob Cavallo.
June 2006: Release of Unauthorized Biography DVD
In June 2006, an unauthorized biography DVD titled "Things That Make You Go MMM!" was released.
August 3, 2006: Filming of "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Famous Last Words" Videos
On August 3, 2006, My Chemical Romance completed shooting the videos for "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Famous Last Words". During filming, Gerard Way and Bob Bryar were injured, leading to tour cancellations.
August 22, 2006: London Hammersmith Palais Show and Reading Festival Performance
On August 22, 2006, My Chemical Romance played a sold-out show at the London Hammersmith Palais. Later, they were bottled at the Reading Festival by Slayer fans.
September 11, 2006: Release of "Welcome to the Black Parade" Single
On September 11, 2006, My Chemical Romance released "Welcome to the Black Parade" as a single.
October 2006: "Welcome to the Black Parade" Reaches Number One in the UK
In October 2006, "Welcome to the Black Parade" became My Chemical Romance's first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.
October 23, 2006: Release of The Black Parade
On October 23, 2006, My Chemical Romance released "The Black Parade".
2006: Performance of The Black Parade
In 2006 My Chemical Romance released and began performing their album, The Black Parade
2006: Media Characterization as "Emo" and Controversy
In 2006, British tabloid Daily Mail characterized My Chemical Romance and their fans as "emo" and a "cult of self-harm", sparking controversy.
2006: The Black Parade Ranked Among Best Albums of the Year
In 2006, Kerrang! rated "The Black Parade" as the fourth-greatest album of the year, and Rolling Stone ranked it as the 20th best album.
2006: Release of The Black Parade and Controversy
In 2006, My Chemical Romance released "The Black Parade", a rock opera concept album that achieved major commercial success. In 2006, the band also faced controversy due to negative coverage in the Daily Mail.
January 2007: Release of "Famous Last Words" Music Video
The "Famous Last Words" music video, filmed on August 3, 2006, was released in January 2007.
February 22, 2007: Start of The Black Parade World Tour
On February 22, 2007, My Chemical Romance began The Black Parade World Tour.
April 2007: Mikey Way's Temporary Departure from The Black Parade World Tour
In April 2007, Mikey Way temporarily left The Black Parade World Tour to spend time with his wife. He was temporarily replaced by Matt Cortez.
September 3, 2007: Projekt Revolution Ends
On September 3, 2007, My Chemical Romance's participation in Projekt Revolution 2007 with Linkin Park and Taking Back Sunday concluded.
October 2007: Opening for Bon Jovi
In October 2007, My Chemical Romance opened for Bon Jovi following the Projekt Revolution tour.
October 2007: The Black Parade Is Dead! Concerts
In October 2007, My Chemical Romance recorded two concerts that were featured in "The Black Parade Is Dead!". These included the final Black Parade concert in Mexico, and a small show at Maxwell's in New Jersey.
2007: NME Awards and American Music Awards Nominations
In 2007, My Chemical Romance won Best International Band at the NME Awards. Gerard Way also won Hero of the Year. The band was nominated for Best Alternative Group at the American Music Awards.
2007: Influences Listed in Kerrang!
In a 2007 issue of Kerrang!, My Chemical Romance listed the songs that influenced their music the most, including Taking Back Sunday's "MakeDamnSure" and Say Anything's "Alive with the Glory of Love".
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 2009.
May 16, 2008: Daily Mail Article Linking Band to Suicide
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.
2008: Release of The Black Parade Is Dead!
In 2008, My Chemical Romance released a live DVD/CD collection titled "The Black Parade Is Dead!".
February 2009: Release of "Desolation Row" Cover
In February 2009, My Chemical Romance released a cover of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" for the film "Watchmen".
April 10, 2009: Release of ¡Venganza!
On April 10, 2009, My Chemical Romance released "¡Venganza!", a collection of live videos from the Mexico City show, on a bullet-shaped flash drive.
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 new songs.
November 2009: Gerard Way on Fourth Album
In a November 2009 interview with Rock Sound, Gerard Way stated that the fourth album would be their defining work, making their old material redundant.
2009: Conventional Weapons Songs Recorded
In 2009, My Chemical Romance recorded 10 unreleased songs that would later become part of the Conventional Weapons project.
2009: Recording Conventional Weapons
In 2009, My Chemical Romance recorded a series of singles that would later be released in 2012 and 2013 under the collective title "Conventional Weapons".
March 3, 2010: Bob Bryar Leaves My Chemical Romance
On March 3, 2010, Iero announced on the official website that Bob Bryar had left the band.
March 2010: Way Discusses New Album
In a March 2010 MTV interview, Way mentioned that the new album was untitled. He also stated that he was excited about it.
September 22, 2010: Premiere of "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)"
On September 22, 2010, the band 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.
October 12, 2010: Release of "The Only Hope for Me Is You"
On October 12, 2010, My Chemical Romance released "The Only Hope for Me Is You", the second single from Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
November 22, 2010: Release of Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
On November 22, 2010, My Chemical Romance released their fourth studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
2010: Bob Bryar's Departure
Bryar was the last drummer for My Chemical Romance who served the band full-time. He departed in 2010
2010: Release of Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
In 2010, My Chemical Romance released their fourth studio album, "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys".
2010: Michael Pedicone Joins as Touring Drummer
Late in 2010, Michael Pedicone joined the band as a touring drummer, replacing Bryar.
February 12, 2011: Wembley Arena Performance and UK Festival Announcement
During a performance at Wembley Arena on February 12, 2011, Way announced that the band would be appearing at a UK festival later in the year.
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.
April 28, 2011: Glenn Beck Labels "Sing" as Propaganda
On April 28, 2011, US broadcaster Glenn Beck labelled the My Chemical Romance song "Sing" as "propaganda" after it was featured and covered on the US musical drama TV series Glee in February 2011.
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.
May 23, 2011: Joint Tour Announcement with Blink-182
On May 23, 2011, My Chemical Romance and Blink-182 announced a joint tour of the United States at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in West Hollywood.
September 2, 2011: Frank Iero Announces Michael Pedicone's Sacking
On September 2, 2011, Frank Iero announced that Michael Pedicone was sacked for stealing from the band.
September 4, 2011: Jarrod Alexander Announced as New Touring Drummer
On September 4, 2011, it was revealed that Jarrod Alexander would be the new touring drummer for the remainder of the Honda Civic tour.
October 2011: Frank Iero Teases New Music
In an interview with Rolling Stone in October 2011, guitarist Frank Iero revealed that new music could be out "by summer".
December 18, 2011: Yo Gabba Gabba! Appearance
On December 18, 2011, My Chemical Romance appeared on Nick Jr. Channel's Yo Gabba Gabba!, and performed a song called "Every Snowflake Is Different (Just Like You)".
February 2012: Building a Studio for MCR5
In February 2012, members of My Chemical Romance revealed that they had been building a studio in Los Angeles to record music for the band's fifth album under the working title MCR5.
September 2012: Announcement of Conventional Weapons Project
In September 2012, the band announced a new project titled Conventional Weapons, revolving around 10 unreleased songs recorded in 2009.
October 2012: Iero Comments on MCR's new album
According to the October 2012 issue of Q Magazine, Frank Iero reported early sessions for MCR's next album with the new drummer Jarrod Alexander were progressing well.
2012: Addition of James Dewees and Release of Conventional Weapons Singles
In 2012, My Chemical Romance added touring keyboardist James Dewees to their lineup. In 2012, they also released a series of singles recorded in 2009 under the title "Conventional Weapons".
February 2013: Conventional Weapons Project Concludes
In February 2013, My Chemical Romance concluded the Conventional Weapons project, having released two songs each month for five months.
March 22, 2013: My Chemical Romance Breakup Announcement
On March 22, 2013, My Chemical Romance announced their breakup.
May 24, 2013: Ray Toro Releases "Isn't That Something"
On May 24, 2013, Ray Toro released a song titled "Isn't That Something".
November 19, 2013: Reggie and the Full Effect Release No Country for Old Musicians
On November 19, 2013, Reggie and the Full Effect, featuring Frank Iero and Ray Toro, released the album No Country for Old Musicians.
February 2014: Electric Century Forms and Releases "I Lied"
In February 2014, Mikey Way formed Electric Century and released their debut single "I Lied".
March 25, 2014: Release of Greatest Hits Collection: May Death Never Stop You
On March 25, 2014, My Chemical Romance released a greatest hits collection, titled May Death Never Stop You, featuring material spanning their entire career.
August 25, 2014: Frank Iero Releases Stomachaches
On August 25, 2014, Frank Iero released his full-length solo album titled Stomachaches under the moniker of "frnkiero andthe cellabration".
September 29, 2014: Gerard Way Releases Hesitant Alien in the UK
On September 29, 2014, Gerard Way's debut solo album, Hesitant Alien, was released in the UK.
2014: Longest time without a release
In 2014 My Chemical Romance reached the milestone of the longest time without a song release, with that being eight years
2014: Release of Greatest Hits Album
In 2014, My Chemical Romance released a greatest hits album titled "May Death Never Stop You".
January 1, 2015: Ray Toro Releases "For the Lost and Brave"
On January 1, 2015, Ray Toro posted a new song, titled "For the Lost and Brave", on his website, dedicating the song to Leelah Alcorn.
March 10, 2015: Electric Century Announces Debut EP
On March 10, 2015, Electric Century announced their debut self-titled EP.
April 18, 2015: Electric Century EP Release
On April 18, 2015, Electric Century released their debut self-titled EP on Record Store Day.
July 20, 2016: Cryptic Video Posted Hinting at Reunion
On July 20, 2016, the band posted a cryptic video on their social media pages hinting at a possible reunion, which was later revealed to be a reissue of The Black Parade.
2016: Tenth-Anniversary Reissue of The Black Parade
In 2016, My Chemical Romance released a tenth-anniversary reissue of their album "The Black Parade".
2016: Concept Album Innovation
In 2016, Nylon wrote that The Black Parade "took the idea of a concept album and exploited it for the digital age", while being musically a rock opera "as ambitious as any post-Queen rock opera could be".
2017: Private Reunion
In 2017, My Chemical Romance reunited out of the public eye.
October 31, 2019: Reunion Show Announcement
On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced a reunion show.
December 20, 2019: Reunion Show in Los Angeles
On December 20, 2019, My Chemical Romance's reunion show took place in Los Angeles.
2019: Reunion Announcement & Queer Icon Status
In 2019, after the band announced their reunion on Halloween, Michelle Hyun Kim described Gerard Way as a "queer icon" in Them, and that "after the band announced their reunion on Halloween 2019, I saw tweets from LGBTQ+ folks around the world claiming, in some way or another, that MCR either served as a queer awakening or fostered their queerness."
January 2020: Announcement of Additional Shows and Reunion Tour
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced additional shows and a Reunion Tour.
January 2020: Stadium MK Concerts Announced
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced plans to present concerts at Stadium MK (Milton Keynes, England).
January 28, 2020: Milton Keynes Concerts Announced
On January 28, 2020, My Chemical Romance announced plans to present three concerts in Milton Keynes (UK), on 18, 20 and 21 of June 2020.
January 29, 2020: North American Tour Announcement
On January 29, 2020, My Chemical Romance announced a North American tour.
January 31, 2020: North American Tour Announced
On January 31, 2020, My Chemical Romance announced a North American tour, which sold out in less than six hours.
April 2020: Milton Keynes Postponement
In April 2020, My Chemical Romance postponed its Milton Keynes events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, initially to June 2021.
June 2020: North American Tour Postponement
In June 2020, My Chemical Romance postponed all North American events to September and October 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2020: Milton Keynes concerts initially scheduled
In June 2020, the Milton Keynes concerts were to take place; they were later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Rock Superstars of the 21st Century
In 2020, Kerrang! deemed the band "the rock superstars of the 21st century" while stating that "no other band has had such a musical or cultural impact over recent years."
2020: Additional Dates Announced for Reunion
In 2020, My Chemical Romance announced more dates in Australia, Japan and New Zealand for their reunion tour.
April 2021: Milton Keynes Postponement
In April 2021, the Milton Keynes concert was postponed again to May 2022.
June 2021: Milton Keynes Postponement
In June 2021, the Milton Keynes concert was postponed again to May 2022.
October 2021: North American Tour Postponement
In October 2021, the North American tour was scheduled to occur; it was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Postponement of 2020 Tour Dates
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all of the shows on the My Chemical Romance tour that were set to begin in 2020 were postponed to 2021, including the North American leg.
May 12, 2022: Release of "The Foundations of Decay"
On May 12, 2022, My Chemical Romance released "The Foundations of Decay", their first new song since 2014.
May 2022: Milton Keynes Postponement
In May 2022, the Milton Keynes concert was scheduled to occur; it was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 16, 2022: The tour commenced
On May 16, 2022 the tour commenced at the Eden Project.
2022: Commencement of Reunion Tour
In 2022, My Chemical Romance's Reunion Tour commenced after a two-year postponement.
2022: Re-emergence into Pop Culture
In 2022, The Guardian wrote that during the height of their career My Chemical Romance were "unlikely superstars, misfits who inadvertently infiltrated the mainstream" but upon their reunion tour, the band would "return to a pop cultural landscape they helped to define".
2022: Retrospective on the Backlash Against the Band
In a 2022 retrospective, The Guardian described the backlash against My Chemical Romance and emo music as a "moral panic".
March 26, 2023: The tour concludes
2023: Conclusion of Reunion Tour
In early 2023, My Chemical Romance concluded their Reunion Tour.
November 2024: Death of Bob Bryar
In November 2024, the band's former drummer, Bob Bryar, was found dead at his home.
2024: Headlining When We Were Young Festival
In 2024, My Chemical Romance headlined When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, performing The Black Parade in its entirety.
2025: Announcement of Long Live The Black Parade Tour
Following the 2024 festival performance, My Chemical Romance announced Long Live The Black Parade, a North American stadium tour in 2025, featuring The Black Parade in its entirety.
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