MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

YOU MUST FIX YOUR HEART

I mean it when I say this was a turning point in my life. I had gotten my first office job earlier that year and did overtime to buy a ticket. I broke up with my long distance partner of 3 years and started dating someone closer. I thought about buying them a ticket to see My Chemical Romance with me. They weren't a fan of My Chemical Romance but said they would accompany. I was worried about going alone, I'd never gone to a concert before, but I couldn't miss it. Like this is the My Chemical Romance.

I don't remember when I discovered My Chemical Romance, I'm guessing it would've been around 2010, probably through a Johnny the Homicidal Maniac amv. I'd guess maybe it was Dead! I definitely think it would've been something off of The Black Parade. I would've been in middle school at the time, like 12 or 13 years old. I don't think I really had a concept of the real people behind the music but I liked it for the most part... I think my child brain wasn't ready for some of the more intense sounds of Bullets or Revenge. But I was ready when Danger Days dropped. I loved Danger Days, I loved the music video for Na Na Na; at that point I knew who Gerard Way was and I loved to draw him a la Party Poison. I think my favorite songs were Bulletproof Heart and Planetary (GO!). I remember where I was when I found out they broke up. I remember Gerard Way's solo work, his collab with Deadmau5 was a crazy intersection of my interests and I loved Hesitant Alien. (I regret never seeing them live during this time but I was a high school kid with no money) All this to say, they've been in my life forever, but something shifted.

I think I really fell in love with My Chemical Romance that night. Not to come off as pathetic, but it really felt like the happiest day of my life. Not that I haven't fell happy since, it was just a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy sandwiched between periods of shit. I'd have a weird silent breakup with my partner that night, one that I might still not be fully over, but my memories of that day remain a comfort.

It's been two years. I was supposed to see My Chemical Romance at When We Were Young Fest 2024 but I moved out of the country and my new job wouldn't give me the time off. I lost the money on the ticket and there are no signs of movement from the band at the moment, so I'm making this page to cope. Enjoy

OPENERS: HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR + THURSDAY

I have to be honest, I dont remember much of either (Besides one of the Homeless Gospel Choir kids scooping up little Frank Iero in a hug). Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't on my phone or anything, I listened I vibed; but I think I might have been worried and in my head the whole time. I felt nervous about my choices: Should I have gotten a GA ticket? Would I be able to enjoy the show surrounded by strangers? What if they weren't energetic and I'd have to stay quiet and seated for the next few hours? I had a couple on my right, two older men on my left and a kid with their dad in front of me (sorry whoever was behind me). What if I had to pee half way through the show? My anxieties made it hard to enjoy myself, until the static started........

VAMPIRE AT THE POOL BOY MANSION

Everyone around me was on their feet immediately, all my doubts washed away. And out came Gerard Way in full Bela Lugosi's Dracula regalia to "Vesti la giubba" from Pagliacci. and the crowd loved it; I loved it. I'd later learn it was Danger Days night as the 3 previous LA shows had somewhat centered around their 3 previous albums. I think it was fitting for me. I won't talk about every song here (I'll be making another page to give my thoughts on every song (probably)) but I'll record memories that have stuck with me. It's actually amazing to me I still remember so much considering how bad my memory is; a combination of being in the moment, going over details in my head and endlessly watching the videos I took, I guess.

The Foundations of Decay: I didn't know all the words to Foundations at the time. I liked the song well enough after hearing it when it dropped, but it didn't really hit me until I heard it live. Since then it has really become an emotional pillar for me; lyrics that echo in my mind.

It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Deathwish: Maybe similar situation to Foundations? Except I did know all the words, but shrieking those opening lines with hundreds of people gave me a new love for the song. It means a lot to me these days.

Teenagers: Gerard dedicated this one to his daughter Bandit, who was apparently in the crowd that night with some friends.

Mastas of Ravenkroft: I hate to admit it but this was the one song I was not familiar with, but since that humbling experience I've made sure to leave no My Chemical Romance stone unturned. Rickety hand representation.

S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W: I'll never forget Gerard asking the crowd to move their hands up and down for this one and the girl ahead of me went nuts on it. Hell yeah brother.

Vampires Will Never Hurt You: This is it, this was the one I was waiting for all. Yes they had played Vampires at most of their shows, but the chances they weren't gonna play it were not zero. So when I heard the drums kick in, I lost my mind. It was so hot in the Forum and I had been moving and screaming all night and I think at this point I had to take off my mask for a bit to be able to breathe. Gerard's shrieks were amazing, just an incredible performance of my favorite song.

The Ghost of You: Another shameful confession: I was not a fan of Ghost of You at the time. When Gerard introduced the song as a request by someone who said it was their favorite song, I kind of dgaf'd... And now don't I look like the fool, I'm not sure what happened but I finally got it. Past me was a dumb bitch, I'd kill to go back there and really, truly enjoy her with the reverence she deserves...

...AND BUILD AN ALTAR WHERE IT SWELLS