My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance is arguably one of the most influential bands of the early 2000s, garnering a gigantic loyal fanbase over the years who do everything from following their tours to supporting their causes in public demonstrations.

When the native New Jersey band disbanded back in 2013, followers believed it was the end of an era, but that proved untrue with a powerhouse reunion in 2019. And now, the long wait for more dates is over as Way, along with his brother Mikey and bandmates Ray Toro and Frank Iero are back with a vengeance.

My Chemical Romance started as the brainchild of lead singer Gerard Way. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, the vocalist was inspired to write about the event and start a band with guitarist Toro, his brother Mikey on bass, Iero on rhythm guitar, and original drummer Matt Pelissier.

My Chemical Romance released its first album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, in 2002. While it wasn’t a major hit, it used the music to cultivate a fan base following via MySpace. These efforts plus solid touring performances led the band to sign with Reprise Records in 2003.

In 2004, MCR’s second studio album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, climbed to a respectable position on the Billboard charts, peaking at #28, and went platinum within the year. Pelissier departed soon after the record’s release, so Bob Bryar took over behind the drum kit.

Over the next two years, My Chemical Romance opened for bands like Green Day on the American Idiot Tour and Fall Out Boy on the Warped Tour. With a robust following, the band was ready to amp things up.

In 2007, the band released its magnum opus concept album, The Black Parade. This rock opera centers around a central character dying of cancer. The band staged powerful events like a hosting live gig using a pseudonym that almost resulted in the audience revolting and a releasing faux parade of black-robed marchers.

Not only did The Black Parade solidify My Chemical Romance’s burgeoning cult following, it was a huge commercial success. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts and went on to go triple platinum in both the US and UK.

Mistreated and misunderstood by some media outlets, Gerard Way and his band had to overcome controversies generated by misinterpretation of MCR’s lyrics. After releasing their fourth album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, in 2010, the band would release a series of singles over the next two years compiled as the Conventional Weapons album.

Then, almost without warning, My Chemical Romance amicably broke up. But by 2019, a surprise show in LA signaled a reunion tour. COVID-19 postponed it in 2020, but now the boys are back and ready to take the world by storm.

The original trio Stuart Braithwaite, Dominic Aitchinson, and Martin Bulloch joined forces in 1991 and began putting out music a few years later. Their single “Tuner”/”Lower” caught the attention of the public in 1996, along with the song “Summer,” which earned a mention in the British publication, New Music Express (NME).

Mogwai’s debut album “Mogwai Young Team” was released in 1997 with the joint efforts of additional members: guitarist John Cummings and drummer Brendan O’Hare. Their work hit #75 on the UK Albums Chart. Musical influences for Mogwai include The Cure, Joy Division, My Bloody Valentine and post-rock band Tortoise. Their music is characterized by extended instrumental guitar solos in post-rock style.

Mogwai’s sophomore album “Come On Die Young” came out in 1998 and upped the band’s popularity to #29 on the UK charts. The band brought on Barry Burns as a permanent member and featured Scottish violinist Luke Sutherland. At the turn of the century, Mogwai released their highest grossing album “Rock Action” which also became the name of their record label. The album featured guest vocalists and experimented with electronic elements while simultaneously staying true to their signature lengthy instrumental pieces (one song “My Father the King” is twenty minutes long!).

“Happy Songs for Happy People” was Mogwai’s first album to break into U.S. territory charting at #13 on the Billboard Indie Albums in 2003. Mogwai broke into the film industry in 2006 by providing the soundtrack to the movie “Zidane: A 20th Century Portrait.” Mogwai’s music is distributed through multiple international labels: firstly through Glasgow label Chemikal Underground, American labels Matador and Sub Pop, UK’s Play It Again Sam, and their own Rock Action Records.