The Black Parade Marches on Denver

As most of you know by now, I am a huge fan of My Chemical Romance. Though I might not fit their target demographic, I absolutely love their music, their videos and their whole vibe. Last night, I was one of the 7,500 lucky ones who saw their show at Magness Arena in Denver.

After days of sleepless anticipation, we finally arrived at the venue several hours early. There were already about 50 kids in line, all decked out in their Black Parade gear and heavy make up. We later found out that the group of girls at the front had been there since 5:30 in the morning. MCR fans, or the MCRmy as they’re called, are notorious for being devoted to the band and they certainly do not play around when it comes to sitting front row to see their dudes. The fans are also some of the most polite, considerate and kind people I’ve ever met. Unlike other rock kids, these kids really come together and the shows are more than just concerts, they’re like group therapy for everyone involved.

We wandered around the arena, which is located on the Denver University campus, and through pure luck, we were able to sit in and watch as the crew set up the stage. As if that wasn’t cool enough, we were treated to yet another bonus when the band started arriving to get ready for sound check.

First, drummer Bob Bryar came out from the dressing room and started checking out the stage and chatting with the roadies. Next, Ray Toro emerged and was easy to spot with his signature curly locks as he chatted with a friendly guy from a British publication. After Toro’s arrival, we spotted Frank Iero, who was sporting longer hair that hung in front of his eyes. My stomach was churning with nervous excitement as I watched Mikey Way, who was gorgeous enough to be some kind of goth male model, step out and join the rest of the guys as they prepared for a photo shoot.

Still, I was wondering where MCR’s charismatic frontman, Gerard Way, was hiding. Just as I was about to give up hope that we’d see him before the show, I looked down towards the shoot to see a small guy with jet black hair and a flawless profile. I thought to myself, “That is one beautiful guy. He kind of looks like Gerard.” A second later, I looked closer only to see that it was the rock superhero himself!

Now, I have seen a lot of really gorgeous men before, both famous and not, but I must admit, Gerard might have the most stunningly perfect face I’ve ever seen. I hate to sound like a fourteen-year-old fangirl, but he easily takes the title for hottest guy on the planet. Take that DiCaprio!

When the show began, I was so excited and anxious that I could barely breathe. We were right in front, being crushed up against the barrier with the swell of the crowd as the lights cut out and Rise Against took the stage. They played a great 30 minute set and really pumped everyone up for My Chem.

After the set change, everything went dark and the beep of the heart monitor came over the speakers. From the side of the stage, two people wheeled out a gurney. Even thought everything was dark, we were close enough to see Gerard lying on the bed with a big smile on his face as he slowly pulled a microphone out from under the sheet. “Now come one come all to this tragic affair.” Gerard smiled and looked down at us all in the front row as he belted out the lyrics. “I’d encourage your smiles, I’ll expect you won’t cry!” The curtain flew off, the lights flared up and the guitars kicked in as they launched into “The End” and “Dead” and the frenzied crowd cheered.

They played every single song off The Black Parade, an astonishing task considering that most bands only play a few songs off their albums and focus on their singles. The show was theatrical and spectacular. The level of showmanship was off the charts and we were surrounded by smiling fans singing all the lyrics right back at the band.

They got to “Famous Last Words” and I was definitely not ready for it to be over. I knew they were going to play an encore and that they always close the show with “Helena” from Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, so I was anticipating their return as they hurried off the stage.

Things were dark again and the curtain was up. We heard a few chords from some of the songs off that breakthrough album as they set up again. Finally the curtain dropped once again, revealing a throwback MCR dressed in attire from the Revenge days. Gerard sported a leather jacket as he had during the tour for that album a few years ago. Frank was in a white shirt and tie like something from their Tase of Chaos days. Ray was in a black t-shirt like he had been in the “I’m Not OK” video. Even Mikey dawned his classic glasses once again despite having Lasik and not needing them anymore.

The Revenge section was so amazing because it was like a fantastic DVD special feature, bonus material, an extra treat. The crowd roared with excitement as they played “I’m Not OK” and everyone screamed “Trust me!” during that crucial moment in the song. They launched into “Cemetery Drive”, got everyone moving during “It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Fucking Death Wish”, had the whole crowd pumping their fists in the air during “Ghost of You”, had everyone belting the lyrics to “Thank Your For the Venom”, opened up the mosh pits with “Give ‘Em Hell Kid”, and left the crowd in a complete frenzy after “You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us in Prison”, which also happens to be my favorite song ever. Then, they brought the house down with “Helena”, a song that is especially meaningful because it’s about the death of Gerard and Mikey’s grandma. Everyone sang so loud during “Helena” that is was hard to hear anything else.

The experience was truly amazing. My Chemical Romance puts on a show like no one else. Even seeing Prince in concert doesn’t compare to the magic that takes place on stage at an MCR show. This is going to be one concert that I will never forget.