If you are of a certain age, My Chemical Romance can instantly transport you back to the days of skipping algebra class. Fronted by Gerard Way, the band went platinum with their major label debut, 2004’s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. That success only grew with 2006’s The Black Parade, an ambitious rock opera centered around a dying man. Two decades (somehow) later, My Chemical Romance made millennial hearts everywhere sing when they announced they were hitting the road in 2025 for their Long Live the Black Parade tour. Recently, the band closed out their hometown show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, by paying homage to some other Garden State Legends.
Videos by American Songwriter
Watch My Chemical Romance Nail This Bon Jovi Classic
Growing up just a stone’s throw from New York City, Gerard Way decided to form a band after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. That’s how My Chemical Romance was born, and the band celebrated their New Jersey roots during Saturday’s (Aug. 9) show.
“I’m proud to be from New Jersey,” Way 48, told the audience. “Being from the east coast of Jersey, I learned how to survive. … You need Jersey bones to survive.”
“And in saying that,” he continued, “we’re gonna play you guys what may be the New Jersey state anthem.”
Then came the all-too-familiar opening guitar riffs of Bon Jovi’s 1986 hit “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Gerard Way took up the legendary Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals: She says, “We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got / It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not / We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love / We’ll give it a shot.”
“seeing this live was a religious experience omg,” one Instagram user gushed.
[RELATED: The Controversial Song That Put My Chemical Romance’s Guitarist on the FBI Watchlist]
Welcome Home, MCR
During the show, My Chemical Romance also received a ceremonial key to the city of Belleville , New Jersey. Gerard Way and his brother, bassist Mikey Way, grew up in the town 15 minutes from MetLife Stadium, as did guitarist Frank Iero.
“My Chemical Romance’s music is deeply rooted in Belleville, but it has gone on to touch the lives millions of people in every corner of the world,” Belleville Mayor MIchael Melham said in a statement. “As they return to play a massive concert just a few miles from where it all began, I am excited to honor them on the behalf of Belleville.”
Featured image by David Wolff-Patrick/Redferns
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.