My Chemical Romance, a rock band from Newark, New Jersey, consists of Gerard Way (vocals), Ray Toro (lead guitar), Frank Iero (rhythm guitar), and Mikey Way (bass). Emerging as a prominent force in the 2000s rock scene, they are considered highly influential, particularly within the pop-punk and emo movements, though the band members themselves don't fully embrace the 'emo' tag.
In September 2001, My Chemical Romance was formed by Gerard Way, his brother Mikey Way, Ray Toro, and Matt Pelissier.
In 2002, My Chemical Romance made their first recordings, "Our Lady of Sorrows" and "Cubicles," in Matt Pelissier's attic. Mikey Way officially joined the band after hearing these demos. Frank Iero, formerly of Pencey Prep, joined shortly before the recording of their debut album, "I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love." The album was produced by Geoff Rickly.
My Chemical Romance, now joined by Frank Iero, released their debut album, "I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love," in 2002 under Eyeball Records.
On August 31, 2003, My Chemical Romance announced their signing with Reprise Records.
My Chemical Romance released their second album, "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge," on June 8, 2004. It achieved platinum status a year later.
In 2004, My Chemical Romance released their major-label debut, "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge," with Reprise Records. Following the release, drummer Matt Pelissier was replaced by Bob Bryar. The album achieved platinum status.
My Chemical Romance embarked on major tours in 2005, including supporting Green Day on their "American Idiot Tour" and participating in the Vans Warped Tour.
My Chemical Romance participated in the Taste of Chaos tour, opened for Green Day on their "American Idiot" tour, co-headlined Warped Tour 2005 with Fall Out Boy, and co-headlined a tour with Alkaline Trio and Reggie and the Full Effect. Additionally, they collaborated with The Used on a cover of "Under Pressure" to benefit tsunami relief.
In March 2006, My Chemical Romance released "Life on the Murder Scene," which included a CD and two DVDs featuring documentaries, music videos, and live performances.
On April 10, 2006, My Chemical Romance, with producer Rob Cavallo, began recording their third studio album, initially thought to be titled "The Rise and Fall of My Chemical Romance."
An unauthorized biography DVD, "Things That Make You Go MMM!," about My Chemical Romance was released in June 2006, containing interviews about the band's early days.
On August 3, 2006, My Chemical Romance finished filming music videos for "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Famous Last Words." During filming, Gerard Way injured his ankle, and Bob Bryar sustained burns, leading to tour date cancellations.
On August 22, 2006, My Chemical Romance played a sold-out show at London's Hammersmith Palais, where they officially confirmed "The Black Parade" as the title of their upcoming album. At the Reading Festival, the band was bottled by fans of Slayer, who performed before them.
My Chemical Romance released "Welcome to the Black Parade" as a single on September 11, 2006.
The music video for My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade" was released in the UK on September 26, 2006.
"Welcome to the Black Parade" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in October 2006, becoming My Chemical Romance's first chart-topping single in the UK.
"The Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance was released in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2006, to positive reviews.
My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade" was released in the United States on October 24, 2006.
My Chemical Romance released their third studio album, *The Black Parade,* in 2006. This album would go on to become one of their most iconic works.
My Chemical Romance's album "The Black Parade" garnered significant praise in 2006. Kerrang! magazine ranked it as the fourth-greatest album of the year, while Rolling Stone placed it at number 20 on their list of the top 50 albums of 2006.
My Chemical Romance's concept album "The Black Parade" was released in 2006. It achieved significant commercial success, with the lead single "Welcome to the Black Parade" reaching the top of the UK Singles Chart.
In 2006, the British tabloid Daily Mail published an article labeling My Chemical Romance and their fanbase as "emo" and a "cult of self-harm." This characterization sparked controversy and drew attention to the band's association with the emo subculture, despite their stylistic differences from the genre.
The music video for "Famous Last Words" by My Chemical Romance was released in January 2007, although it was filmed earlier.
My Chemical Romance kicked off their world tour for "The Black Parade" on February 22, 2007, with a lineup that included supporting acts like Rise Against, Thursday, and Muse. This tour would go on to include 133 shows.
In April 2007, bassist Mikey Way temporarily stepped down from the ongoing tour to spend time with his wife, Alicia Simmons-Way. Matt Cortez, a friend of the band, filled in for Way during his absence.
On September 3, 2007, My Chemical Romance concluded their participation in Projekt Revolution 2007, a tour headlined by Linkin Park and also featuring Taking Back Sunday. Notably, during this tour, lead vocalist Gerard Way married Lindsay "Lyn Z" Ballato, the bassist of the band Mindless Self Indulgence.
In October 2007, My Chemical Romance delivered a memorable performance in Mexico City, marking the final show of their "Black Parade" tour. The concert was captured on film, and footage from it would later be used in the band's live DVD/CD release, "The Black Parade Is Dead!"
In October 2007, following their stint on the Projekt Revolution tour, My Chemical Romance secured a high-profile gig as the opening act for renowned rock band Bon Jovi.
My Chemical Romance's success continued in 2007 as they were honored with the Best International Band award at the NME Awards. Adding to their accolades, frontman Gerard Way received the Hero of the Year award at the same event. The band was also nominated for Best Alternative Group at the American Music Awards in 2007.
In a 2007 interview with *Kerrang!*, My Chemical Romance shared the songs that had the most significant influence on their music, including tracks by Taking Back Sunday, Say Anything, Thursday, Kill Hannah, Black Flag, the Misfits, the Bled, Killswitch Engage, Idlewild, Alkaline Trio, Thrice, Denali, Soilwork, and Helloween.
My Chemical Romance took the stage at the iconic Madison Square Garden in May 2008. This concert would mark their last live performance for nearly a year, as they would go on a performance hiatus following the show.
On May 16, 2008, the Daily Mail published a controversial article titled "Why no child is safe from the sinister cult of emo." The article centered around the suicide of a 13-year-old British girl named Hannah Bond, drawing a direct link between her death and her supposed involvement in an "emo cult," which the newspaper associated with My Chemical Romance and their fans, particularly their album "The Black Parade."
My Chemical Romance released a cover of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row" on February 1, 2009. The track was recorded for inclusion in the 2009 film adaptation of the graphic novel "Watchmen," serving as the end credit song.
On February 3, 2009, My Chemical Romance treated fans to an EP titled "The Black Parade: The B-Sides," featuring previously unreleased tracks from "The Black Parade" recording sessions.
My Chemical Romance surprised fans on April 29, 2009, with the release of "¡Venganza!," a unique collection of nine previously unreleased live performance videos. These videos were captured during the encore of their Mexico City show in October 2007 and were made available on a special bullet-shaped flash drive, adding an exclusive touch for their fans. The flash drive also included a selection of exclusive photographs of the band taken during the Mexico City concert.
My Chemical Romance's web designer, Jeff Watson, announced on May 27, 2009, that the band had entered the studio to commence recording their fourth studio album. The recording sessions took place over the following weeks and saw the band collaborate with renowned producer Brendan O'Brien, known for his work with artists such as AC/DC, Mastodon, and Pearl Jam.
My Chemical Romance ended their performance hiatus with two "secret" shows at The Roxy Theater in Los Angeles on July 31 and August 1, 2009. The shows marked their first live performances since their appearance at Madison Square Garden in May 2008. During these intimate performances, the band treated fans to a sneak peek of their evolving sound by debuting several new songs rumored to be included on their forthcoming fourth album.
In a November 2009 interview with Rock Sound magazine, frontman Gerard Way expressed his enthusiasm for My Chemical Romance's upcoming fourth album, hinting that it would be a significant departure from their previous work and a defining moment for the band.
My Chemical Romance recorded the songs for "Conventional Weapons" in 2009.
My Chemical Romance recorded the "Conventional Weapons" singles in 2009, although they were not released until later.
My Chemical Romance announced the departure of drummer Bob Bryar on March 3, 2010. The news was shared by guitarist Frank Iero through a post on the band's official website.
Gerard Way provided an update on My Chemical Romance's highly anticipated fourth album in a March 2010 interview with MTV. During the interview, he revealed that the album remained untitled and emphasized the band's commitment to exploring new sonic territory and embracing a sense of creative freedom in their music.
On September 19, 2010, My Chemical Romance delighted fans by revealing their upcoming tour, "The World Contamination Tour." This tour was set to encompass performances in select cities across the UK, France, Amsterdam, and Germany, further expanding their international presence.
On September 22, 2010, My Chemical Romance premiered their song "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)" on BBC Radio 1 and KROQ-FM. This followed a trailer for their album "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys," featuring a desert setting, colorful outfits, and a cameo by Grant Morrison.
My Chemical Romance released their album "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys" on November 22, 2010.
In 2010, My Chemical Romance finished recording their fourth studio album, as confirmed by Gerard Way and Frank Iero.
In 2010, My Chemical Romance released their fourth studio album, "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys." Bob Bryar left the band before the album's release.
Michael Pedicone joined My Chemical Romance as a touring drummer, replacing Bob Bryar in 2010.
During a performance at Wembley Arena on February 12, 2011, Gerard Way announced My Chemical Romance's appearance at a UK festival later that year, which turned out to be the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
My Chemical Romance's song "Sing" was featured on the musical TV series "Glee" in February 2011.
On April 28, 2011, Glenn Beck called My Chemical Romance's song "Sing" propaganda after it was featured on the TV show "Glee" in February 2011. Beck found the lyrics questionable, but Gerard Way defended the song as subversion, not propaganda.
On May 15, 2011, My Chemical Romance performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle, England.
A highly anticipated announcement rocked the music world on May 23, 2011, as My Chemical Romance and Blink-182 jointly revealed their plans for a collaborative tour across the United States. The announcement took place at the iconic Rainbow Bar and Grill in West Hollywood, further amplifying the excitement surrounding this musical partnership.
My Chemical Romance dismissed drummer Michael Pedicone after he was caught stealing from the band and confessed to police on September 2, 2011.
Jarrod Alexander became My Chemical Romance's touring drummer on September 4, 2011, for the rest of the Honda Civic tour.
In an interview with Rolling Stone in October 2011, Frank Iero hinted that My Chemical Romance might release new music by summer.
On December 18, 2011, My Chemical Romance performed their song "Every Snowflake Is Different (Just Like You)" on the Nick Jr. show "Yo Gabba Gabba!" as part of a Christmas special.
In February 2012, My Chemical Romance revealed they were building a studio in Los Angeles to record their fifth album, tentatively titled "MCR5," with James Dewees now an official member.
Frank Iero announced the "Conventional Weapons" project on September 14, 2012, through My Chemical Romance's website. This project featured 10 unreleased songs recorded in 2009, released in pairs each month.
In the October 2012 issue of Q Magazine, Frank Iero reported that early recording sessions for My Chemical Romance's new album with Jarrod Alexander were going well.
During 2012 and 2013, My Chemical Romance released a series of singles called "Conventional Weapons," recorded back in 2009. In 2012, James Dewees joined the band as a touring keyboardist.
Jarrod Alexander performed with My Chemical Romance in late 2012 at the Voodoo Experience and the Big Day Out festival in Australia and New Zealand.
My Chemical Romance finished releasing the "Conventional Weapons" songs in February 2013, having released two songs per month since October 2012.
On March 22, 2013, My Chemical Romance announced their breakup, marking the end of an era for the band.
Ray Toro released a song titled "Isn't That Something" on his SoundCloud account on May 24, 2013.
Frank Iero, collaborating with James Dewees, contributed to Reggie and the Full Effect's album "No Country for Old Musicians," released on November 19, 2013.
Electric Century, formed by Mikey Way, released their debut single, "I Lied," in February 2014.
On March 25, 2014, My Chemical Romance released "May Death Never Stop You," a greatest hits album featuring songs from throughout their career and one unreleased track.
Frank Iero, under the name "frnkiero andthe cellabration," released his debut solo album, "Stomachaches," on August 25, 2014, featuring Jarrod Alexander on drums.
Gerard Way released his debut solo album, "Hesitant Alien," on September 29, 2014, in the UK, following the release of the single "Action Cat." The album was a moderate success, topping the US Billboard Alternative Albums chart.
A greatest hits album titled "May Death Never Stop You" was released by My Chemical Romance in 2014, after their breakup.
2014 marked the year of My Chemical Romance's last release before going on an extended hiatus. The band would later reunite in 2017 and release new music in 2022.
On January 1, 2015, Ray Toro released "For the Lost and Brave," a song dedicated to Leelah Alcorn, a transgender teen who took her own life.
Mikey Way's band, Electric Century, announced their self-titled debut EP on March 10, 2015.
Electric Century's self-titled debut EP was released on Record Store Day, April 18, 2015.
On July 20, 2016, My Chemical Romance posted a cryptic video featuring the piano intro from "Welcome to the Black Parade" across their social media platforms. The video ended with the date "9/23/16," sparking rumors of a reunion. However, this turned out to be a reissue of their album *The Black Parade* with unreleased demos, titled *The Black Parade/Living with Ghosts*.
A tenth-anniversary edition of My Chemical Romance's album "The Black Parade" was released in 2016.
In 2016, *Nylon* magazine examined the lasting legacy of My Chemical Romance's *The Black Parade* album, praising its innovative approach to the concept album format and its ambition as a rock opera.
In 2017, away from the public's watchful eye, My Chemical Romance came together once more, marking a significant moment in their journey. This private reunion hinted at the possibility of future endeavors and reignited the passion of their dedicated fanbase.
My Chemical Romance secretly reunited in 2017 and began working together again. This reunion remained private until their official announcement in 2019.
On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced a reunion show, generating excitement among fans.
My Chemical Romance held their reunion show in Los Angeles on December 20, 2019.
Following My Chemical Romance's reunion announcement on Halloween 2019, there was a significant outpouring of support and celebration from LGBTQ+ fans worldwide. The band's message of embracing individuality and challenging societal norms deeply resonated with queer youth, solidifying their status as LGBTQ+ allies and icons.
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced a full Reunion Tour, signaling a comeback for the band.
In January 2020, My Chemical Romance announced plans for three concerts at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England, scheduled for June 18th, 20th, and 21st, 2020. Tickets for all three dates sold out rapidly.
On January 28, 2020, My Chemical Romance unveiled their plans to grace the stage in Milton Keynes, UK, with a series of three concerts scheduled for June 18, 20, and 21, 2020. These shows promised an unforgettable experience for fans eager to witness the band's electrifying performances.
Adding to the excitement of the previous day's announcement, My Chemical Romance followed up on January 29, 2020, by revealing their much-anticipated North American tour. This news sent waves of anticipation through their devoted fanbase, who eagerly awaited the chance to see them live once again.
Following the success of their initial reunion shows, My Chemical Romance released a cryptic video on YouTube in January 2020, culminating in the announcement of a North American tour. Tickets for the North American shows went on sale on January 31, 2020, and sold out in less than six hours.
As the world grappled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, My Chemical Romance made the difficult decision to postpone their Milton Keynes concerts, initially rescheduling them for June 2021. This decision underscored the band's commitment to prioritizing public health amid challenging circumstances.
Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, My Chemical Romance was forced to make adjustments to their touring schedule. In June 2020, the band announced the postponement of their Milton Keynes concerts, initially pushing them back to June 2021. Additionally, all North American tour dates were rescheduled to September and October 2021, prioritizing the health and safety of both fans and the band.
Originally scheduled for June 2020, My Chemical Romance's UK stadium shows were postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
After reuniting privately in 2017, My Chemical Romance officially announced their comeback on October 31, 2019, with a reunion show in Los Angeles on December 20, 2019. The show sold out rapidly, leading to the announcement of additional tour dates in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand for 2020.
In 2020, *Kerrang!* magazine declared My Chemical Romance as "the rock superstars of the 21st century," recognizing their significant musical and cultural impact. The magazine also acknowledged the band's influence on the current alternative rock music scene.
In April 2021, My Chemical Romance faced the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the further postponement of their highly anticipated Milton Keynes concert. Initially slated for June 2021, the concert was shifted to May 2022 as the band navigated the complexities of rescheduling amidst the evolving global situation.
In June 2021, as the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, My Chemical Romance made the decision to further postpone their North American tour. Originally slated for September and October 2021, the tour dates were shifted to 2022, demonstrating the band's adaptability and commitment to delivering a safe and unforgettable experience for their fans.
In June 2021, as the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, My Chemical Romance made the decision to further postpone their North American tour. Originally slated for September and October 2021, the tour dates were shifted to 2022, demonstrating the band's adaptability and commitment to delivering a safe and unforgettable experience for their fans.
My Chemical Romance's reunion tour, already postponed from 2020 to 2021, faced further rescheduling to 2022 due to the ongoing challenges and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 12, 2022, My Chemical Romance released "The Foundations of Decay," marking their first new song since 2014.
In April 2021, My Chemical Romance faced the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the further postponement of their highly anticipated Milton Keynes concert. Initially slated for June 2021, the concert was shifted to May 2022 as the band navigated the complexities of rescheduling amidst the evolving global situation.
After multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, My Chemical Romance's highly anticipated reunion tour finally commenced on May 16, 2022, at the Eden Project.
In 2022, The Guardian published a retrospective article that revisited the backlash My Chemical Romance faced in the mid-2000s. The article characterized the intense scrutiny and criticism directed at the band and the broader emo music scene as a "moral panic."
In 2022, The Guardian recognized My Chemical Romance's significant cultural impact, stating that the band had become "unlikely superstars, misfits who inadvertently infiltrated the mainstream." Their reunion tour was seen as a return to a pop cultural landscape they helped shape.
My Chemical Romance's Reunion Tour, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally began in 2022.
My Chemical Romance's long-awaited reunion tour, which began in 2022 after pandemic-related delays, concluded on March 26, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan.
My Chemical Romance's Reunion Tour wrapped up in early 2023.
My Chemical Romance is set to headline the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas in 2024, alongside Fall Out Boy. The band will perform their 2006 album *The Black Parade* in its entirety.