My Chemical Romance Rocks MetLife Stadium with an Electrifying Homecoming

On a vibrant Saturday night in New Jersey, My Chemical Romance ignited the MetLife Stadium with an unforgettable performance. Flames danced across the stage floor, and bright orange flares illuminated the vicinity of lead vocalist Gerard Way, bassist Mikey Way, along with guitarists Frank Iero and Ray Toro. Their rendition of “Famous Last Words” felt as fiery as the stage itself.

In the midst of an electrified stadium, fans passionately echoed the song’s emotional bridge. At that moment, My Chemical Romance stood as beacons of hope for the broken and the weary. When Gerard delivered the closing line, “Nothing you can say can stop me from going home,” the sentiment struck a deep chord in their hometown.

Long Live the Black Parade Tour

This concert represented the sixth stop on My Chemical Romance’s highly anticipated Long Live the Black Parade Tour, which commenced in Seattle last month. With each gig, the band has showcased their landmark 2006 album, The Black Parade, in its entirety. It had been 15 years since they had last performed the whole album live during their original tour.

Attending their homecoming concert added to the electric excitement. Fans like Courtney and Mike, who traveled from Eastern Canada, made the effort to secure spots at the front. “This is their home,” Mike expressed, underscoring the significance of the event.

A Milestone Performance

My Chemical Romance marked their headlining debut at MetLife, and they honored this milestone throughout their two-and-a-half-hour set. Even before MCR took the stage, the energy was palpable, especially as openers Thursday set the tone for the night. Geoff Rickly, the frontman, had previously inspired the Way brothers during their early days on the Jersey basement circuit, making Thursday’s presence fitting.

Adding to the indie vibe, Death Cab for Cutie also joined the lineup, crafting a nostalgic early-aughts emo atmosphere. As the concert reached its crescendo, My Chemical Romance ended their set with a thrilling cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” which Gerard playfully dubbed, “the New Jersey state anthem.”

Honoring Their Roots

Amid the electrifying songs, the band received a ceremonial key to the city of Belleville, where Gerard, Mikey, and Frank grew up. Belleville’s mayor, Michael Melham, highlighted how unprecedented it was to present this honor, stating, “It’s long overdue and they deserve it.”

Even while dressed in the iconic Black Parade attire, Gerard maintained character throughout the occasion. He humorously presented the mayor with wheat and a mock fish from the fictitious city of Draag, which played a central role in the tour’s narrative. A brief lapse in character occurred when he enthusiastically teased the crowd with, “Oh wait! We got one more thing to do. Let’s fucking kill some people.”

Theatrical Elements

The Long Live the Black Parade Tour has captured attention for its intense political commentary, particularly with theatrical elements like a mock execution. During the show, an audience participation segment saw attendees voting on a fictitious election, adding an unusual twist to the experience.

The story unfolds in Draag, ruled by the Great Immortal Dictator. The tour and its political satire align with current events, reflecting society’s troubling dynamics. The concept had started brewing last fall, with cryptic teasers posted on social media that echoed historical contexts.

A Stunning Performance

From the moment My Chemical Romance took the stage, the essence of Draag was palpable, enlivened by the introduction of “Over Fields,” the fictional national anthem. Intricate visual storytelling—crafted in collaboration with director Claire Marie Vogel—meticulously brought the narrative to life.

Fans soaked in the dramatic experience, whether or not they grasped every detail. My Chemical Romance certainly aimed to surpass expectations, especially as they celebrated nearly 20 years of The Black Parade. The fervor of dedicated fans filled the stadium as many dressed in outfits inspired by the Draag theme and MCR’s history.

Unforgettable Moments

As the night progressed, the band shifted from the elaborate theatrical production to a more intimate setting on a B stage positioned near the stadium’s center. Here, the raw rock energy truly shone. Gone were the marching band uniforms, replaced instead by the authentic spirit of New Jersey rockers under the grand full moon. “It looks so fake, that’s how big it is here,” Gerard quipped.

The setlist featured deep cuts like “Skylines and Turnstiles” and “Vampires Will Never Hurt You” alongside other fan favorites, showcasing a wealth of their discography. Gerard’s authentic shock at the band’s journey highlighted the improbability of their rise: from local basement shows to rocking sold-out stadiums.

MCR’s exuberance was infectious as they delivered powerful performances of classics, including a poignant rendition of “Helena,” where Gerard engaged the crowd in a heartfelt singalong. “I felt that one in my bones,” he reflected, capturing the essence of the night.

Set List
“The End.”
“Dead!”
“This Is How I Disappear”
“The Sharpest Lives”
“Welcome to the Black Parade”
“I Don’t Love You”
“House of Wolves”
“Cancer”
“Mama”
“Sleep”
“Teenagers”
“Disenchanted”
“Famous Last Words”
“The End. (Reprise)”
“Skylines and Turnstiles”
“Our Lady of Sorrows”
“I’m Not Okay (I Promise)”
“The Ghost of You”
“Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)”
“It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Fucking Deathwish”
“Boy Division”
“Vampires Will Never Hurt You”
“Helena”
“Livin’ on a Prayer”