It’s hard for me to write a review of a My Chemical Romance show without filling it with hyperbole and grand statements about how they are the greatest band ever. This is simply because they are, hands down, my favorite band of all time.
After seeing them last March at Magness Arena during their giant tour supporting The Black Parade, I was beyond excited to get another chance to bathe in the awesomeness of MCR.
Monday’s show was at the Fillmore and the smaller venue lead to a more intimate setting. It was like a time machine trip back to the days before The Black Parade made them multi-platinum superstars with high-production arena shows to match. This was much more the MCR of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, their stellar second album, released in 2004.
Opening act, and fellow New Jersey band, Drive By got the crowd pumped before openers Billy Talent took the stage, getting the mosh pits going. All this was building to the inevitable crescendo when MCR’s Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Mikey Way, Frank Iero and Bob Bryar took the stage. They were joined by semi-member James Dewees, formerly of Reggie and the Full Effect.
Total madness spread through out the crowd in the front near the barriers as some started crying with joy while others screamed every lyric. There was a palpable electricity in the air as the energy level of both the band and the crowd grew with every song.
Best of all, they played not just their recent hits, but a selection of songs that went completely across the board. Fans got to hear classics like “Headfirst for Halos” from their first album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, released off New Jersey independent label Eyeball Records. We were also treated to some unreleased songs and b-sides like “Kill All Your Friends” or “Desert Song”, which made the experience exponentially more touching and memorable. Lead singer Gerard even acknowledged the diverse set list, claiming his brother Mikey bought a ouija board and used it to determine which songs to play.
Gerard’s commentary was certainly among the highlights of the evening. He even asked the crowd if they watched the season finale of VH1’s Bret Michaels dating show Rock of Love, saying that it blew his mind to hear Michaels make his final choice and ask, “Will you stay in the house and continue to rock my world?”
It was Gerard’s statement that the band will “go away for a couple years” after this tour that made it all so bittersweet. MCR has been on the road for what seems like an eternity, but they will soon take a break and work on their fourth album. Given the pattern of evolution with this band, their next record is sure to be a masterpiece, however not seeing them in concert for a few years will be tough for hardcore fans.
As I said in my review of their previous Denver performance, these shows are more than just concerts to the fans. This is more than just a band; these guys are like superheroes. Surely their inspirational presence will be sorely missed in the Mile High City until their inevitably triumphant return with the next tour.
On a personal note, I would like to say a huge than you to MCR’s head security guy, who got the band to sign a printed YourHub with my review from last year.
UPDATE: Check out videos from the show on the Trashwire Blog.
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