On September 24th 2022, I got to see my all time favorite band My Chemical Romance, or MCR for short. I had been waiting since before Covid hit, as my mom got me the tickets as a Christmas gift in 2019 and I was supposed to see them in September of 2020. Of course due to Covid they have to move the date. It was supposed to be last year, but due to something happening within one of the band member’s lives, they had to move it again. This tour is a big deal because the band got back together on Halloween of 2019 after being broken up for 6 years. Let me just tell you- it was worth the wait! Watching them play brought back so many memories I’ve had over the years of watching old videos. The whole night, in my head, I was referencing every inside joke or favorite moment of mine. It was truly an unforgettable experience.Â
If you have not heard of the band, or don’t know much about them, they are from New Jersey and have been a band since a little after 9/11 in 2001. The band formed after the lead singer, Gerard Way, saw the twin towers falling and realized that he wasn’t making a difference in the world with the job he was currently at. He decided to call up a few old friends of his and start the band. Since then, they had two super commercially successful albums- Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (2004) and The Black Parade (2006), as well others. Back then, they were known not only on mainstream radio, but also within the rock world as being one of the biggest bands at that time.Â
The concert itself, at least for me, had both historical and respectful vibes. It seemed historical because of how long ago it was that they were in their “heyday” and everything that happened back then but also because of how many artists have been influenced by them. It felt respectful because everyone was sitting instead of standing and jumping to the music. Also, everyone was dressed up either in MCR shirts or really cool costumes that went along with the aesthetic. I decided to wear one of my shirts and do my makeup like how one of the guitarists did in 2004- red eyeshadow on my eyelid and below my lash line, and then line my tight and water line of my eyes with eyeliner. I finished off the look with mascara. It was such an exciting experience to see these guys who I have listened to since I was 15 on stage playing songs that I have listened to for years.
If that is the only time I see them in my life, I will still be happy. With all of the stress from school and everything, it was nice to take a break and forget about it all for a little while. Since then, every time I see a picture of them from either 2004 or 2005 I think back to my concert. It was truly an experience I will never forget.