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.
I was at that show. I cried like a baby. MCR are my heroes.
That’s so awesome they signed your article! Jealous!
Anna,
Thanks for leaving a comment! I love your website!
-Alexis
My personal tally of the night… 3rd My Chem Show of my life. 2nd time I’ve been on the barrier. 3 cracked ribs. 1 massive emotional breakdown during “Cancer.” 1 Frank Iero guitar pick. 1 deeply ironic “I Survived The Black Parade” t-shirt. 0 voice left. Yep, I’d say it was pretty amazing. THough I must say that the audience was a little more violent than the usual lovey-dovey giant family atmosphere that’s usually found at an MCR show.
Andrea,
I couldn’t agree more about the unusually violent audience. I was right down by the barrier for a lot of the night, and I got pushed around more than ever before. It was kind of weird for a crowd that’s usually so sweet to one another.
-Alexis
I agree the crowd was out of control down on the floor in front. Even when no bands were playing people were just pushing forward for no reason. At one point the security stood up on the barrier and said, “There’s not even a band on, why are you pushing?” Had a much better front row experience at Magness. Gerard however looked exceptionally hot, with the long hair and the new “cut” body. Music was great, but I think Gerard would have been disappointed by the mean thugs in the crowd who arrived at 6:00 PM and then hammered in to those of us who were in line since the early morning hours. Maybe the Fillmore should take a lesson from Magness and give the kids on the floor writst bands, so once the main band comes on you don’t get shoved off your spot.
Awesome. I saw them twice in Detroit last year, during the Black Parade tour and then Projekt Revolution. They’re here next week again but can’t make it this time but after reading your review I want to. Thanks for sharing.
yes that show was really rough, my feet and legs are covered in bruises. i really dont know if i was covered in my sweat or everyonelces. it was truely amazing.
The crowd was so mean! And the bouncers were asking people to show their tits for water. I wanted to tell Gerard so he could yell at them.
Reminds me of that one SNL sketch
“Question for the Prime Minister Mr. Michael Shirsby”
“Yes, is or is not My Chemical Romance the greatest band since the Beatles, can we not vote on that?!”
Nice reference. I used to love those “Questions for the Prime Minister” sketches.
Some dude has a transcript of that sketch here:
http://snltranscripts.jt.org/96/96pmajor.phtml
i love reading your MCR stuff cuz u can tell u really luv them like i do. gerard is so hawt!!!!!! too bad hes 31 tho
What?!!!?!?? A couple YEARS!? Nooooo!
theres pictures from the show on the area93 website
gerard is wicked hot and mikey is wearing his mikey fuckin way shirt
LINK:
http://mychemicalfreak.com/2008/04/15/mcr-filmore-concert-review-on-april-14th/
Cool review!
what a WOW!!!!
come to Indonesia Again guys..
Awesome review. I’ve only seen My Chem 4 times since 2005. They hardly come to the UK!/