CONCERT REVIEW: My Chemical Romance’s Swarm Takes Over Milton Keynes
Following their two warm-up shows at the Eden Project in Cornwall, New Jersey’s My Chemical Romance took the stage at Milton Keynes Stadium last night for their first of three headline shows. Not only was the setting wildly different but so was the appearance of MCR’s front man Gerard Way who made his first performance in costume for over ten years, sparking excitement, confusion and debate amongst MCR fans everywhere about what this means for a possible new era for the band.
As the sun sets, the lights dim and with just moments to go before they’re due on stage the rumbles of helicopter sounds and static fill the arena. The tension rises until they finally take the stage and kick things off with new track The Foundations of Decay, before going straight into Helena, showing that tonight it doesn’t matter if you’re an old school fan or a new comer, this show is for everyone. Tonight marks 10 years since the band played their last show before they announced their split in 2013, this really does feel like a monumentally special occasion. However, what made this occasion even more special is how normal it felt, almost like you were seeing an old friend again for the first time in forever and you pick right back up where you left off.
Everyone is at home here, and so are the band, performing with constant genuine smiles on their faces, it is plain to see how much they are enjoying playing together by each other sides again. Fans have waited longer than your average for this show, this is their first headline tour across the UK for 11 years and these shows alone had been postponed for two years with tickets originally going on sale in January 2020. It’s safe to say that fans are more than ready for the evening ahead of them.
Throughout the night we’re treated to a little bit of everything from every album from Bullets to Danger Days and rarer tracks from Conventional Weapons. With Gerard confirming that each show will be different every night, if you’re heading to this tour, you’re in for a surprise.
As the evening goes on we go from well-known classics such as Teenagers and Thank You for the Venom, to fan favourites such as It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Deathwish and Famous Last Words, the evening takes on a life of its own and seems to go by too quickly.
Before the evening comes to a close Gerard takes a moment to acknowledge that there are some MCR fans who have been attending their shows, who are no longer with us, a remembrance flag is displayed onstage, filled with the names of those who have lost their lives with the top of the flag reading ‘Your memory will carry on’ the flag was a project by @cemeterycure (via Twitter) who started the project when these shows were announced 2 years ago and has been gathering names across social media ever since. A touching moment to remember those people and acknowledge how special this community is.
Two years ago when @MCRofficial announced their shows, I couldn't stop thinking about mcr fans who have passed away and won't be able to be there, so I asked people across instagram and twitter to send me the names of these fans, and I made this memorial flag 1/2 pic.twitter.com/mQCM70XZx9
— emmy (@cemeterycure) May 18, 2022
Goodnite, Dr.Death is blasted out across the arena as they exit the stage, some fans recognising that anthem of what is yet to come, they return to the stage for one last chance to dance to Vampire Money. A perfect way to round off the evening. As the lights come back up and thousands of fans pour out of the stadium, you can’t help but wonder what magic is in store over the weekend shows. Are you heading to one of My Chemical Romance‘s shows? Let us know where you’re going and what you’re hoping to hear!
