My Chemical Romance has risen from the ashes of their hiatus as they set fire to their “Long Live”: The Black Parade North American Stadium Tour. The performances not only serve as a long-awaited reunion following their canceled 2019 concert series, but they also celebrate the 20th anniversary of their most popular album, The Black Parade. Further, they serve as a somber reflection of today’s political climate. From kidnappings, made-up languages and even exploding clowns, MCR transforms each new stage into a theatrical platform for their message.
The Black Parade, which has garnered over 4.5 billion Spotify streams, follows the narrative of a man known as “The Patient,” who is nearing the end of a losing battle with cancer. With raw, vulnerable lyricism, the 14-track collection reveals the man’s inner thoughts as he reflects on his life and slowly accepts death. In the setlist’s first half, however, MCR expands the original storyline to the decline of a fictional dystopian dictatorship nation named Draag that ultimately gets destroyed by a nuclear war.
The Birth of “Keposhka”
In order to make Draag feel more realistic, lead singer Gerard Way reached out to letterer and past collaborator Nate Piekos to create a whole new language for the nation. Branded “Keposhka,” the language takes inspiration from Russian, English, and Italian posters in the 1930s and 40s, as well as brutalist architecture styles and different typefaces. Avid MCR fans will no doubt recognize how the band’s tour logo reflects this ominous, sharp-edged font.
Fan Favorites, Revised
During the tour’s first act, Way played the role of a once loyal Draag citizen who had turned towards revolution. He sang the infamous title track, “Welcome to the Black Parade,” standing behind a podium to amplify the performance’s nationalist themes. Guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero backed him with electrifying guitar riffs, while bassist Mikey Way drove the momentum with his steady pulse.
Afterwards, four elected Draag officials were marched onto a stage with sacks over their heads. G. Way asked the audience to vote (using “Yea” or “Nay” signs with their Keposhka translations underneath!) whether they should be kept in office or executed. No matter the result, all four individuals ended up getting shot, thus revealing how the government tricked its citizens into believing true democracy was at play. Through this segment, MCR transforms their beloved album into an allegory for today’s politics.
Other stand-out pieces from the first act included “Cancer, “Mama,” and “Blood.” “Cancer,” a sorrowful ballad about a cancer patient’s last wishes to their family, carried even greater melancholy when placed in the context of Draag’s demise. “Mama” featured an extra verse: “A dagger, a dagger, please fetch me a dagger,” with Way brandishing a dagger and scheming the Dictator of Draag’s assassination. Finally, “Mama” took a surprising turn as a clown, jesterly dancing across the stage, opened his costume to reveal a suicide bomber vest underneath.
After over an hour of theatrical, passion-infused performances, the band closed out Act One with “Famous Last Words,” the original The Black Parade finale. With siren-like instrumentals, flashing red lights and heavy smoke, the nation of Draag found its inevitable end with air raids and explosive missiles. G. Way himself was seen stabbed by a clown, as Toro, Iero, and M. Way were kidnapped and taken off stage.
Nostalgia at its Finest
Act Two welcomed MCR back from the nation of Draag with eleven more exhilarating performances, including classics such as “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” “The Ghost of You,” and “Helena.” Dressed in black, the band poured their souls into the music that first brought them fame over a decade ago. Not only do these live performances honor the legacy MCR planted all those years ago, but they pay tribute to the thousands of fans who find solace in these songs.
Dramatics aside, MCR continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional rock music through their captivating, passion-fueled performances. Their dedication to shining a bright light on today’s increasingly authoritarian climate is clear. The North American tour is still going strong, so be sure to secure a spot at a performance nearby! Tickets can be found here.
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