Emo kids: the time has come.
My Chemical Romance has announced their first gig in seven years – aptly revealed on Halloween. The group broke-up back in 2013 and since then, frontman Gerard Way has denied any rumors of a reunion. In 2016, to honor the 10-year anniversary of the group’s breakthrough record The Black Parade, the band posted a video to their social media channels with the faint sound of “Welcome To The Black Parade” playing in the background. At the time, My Chemical Romance said that the group “are not touring and there is no reunion planned.”
Now, out of nowhere, the band dropped news of their first show in seven years this afternoon. An image posted on social media, which reads “RETURN,” notes that they will play a gig on December 20 at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The caption reads: “Like Phantoms Forever…” At this time, no further dates have been announced, but due to the high demand and excitement among fans, it’s likely that the band will add more shows in the future.
Over the past seven years, each of the members have pursued other endeavors. Way released his debut studio album Hesitant Alien in 2014, followed by a handful of standalone singles. He also created a comic book, dubbed The Umbrella Academy, which has since been turned into a Netflix series. Guitarist Frank Iero also continued to perform, releasing two solo records, bassist Mikey Way formed the group Electric Century, and guitarist Roy Toro released a solo recording in between touring with Reggie and the Full Effect.
My Chemical Romance garnered a cult following in the early 2000’s, bringing together emo, goth, and scene kids alike with hits like 2004’s “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” and “Helena” from 2004’s Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge and “Dead,” “Teenagers,” and “Famous Last Words” from 2006’s The Black Parade. They’re certainly a staple in the industry, and for years, artists have been jokingly suggesting their return.
Now, they’re back (hopefully) for good.
