A Long Awaited Reunion | My Chemical Romance performs back-to-back nights at TD Garden.

September 22, 2022 Leave a comment

Boston, MA | TD Garden | 9/7/2022

After nearly a decade away, followed by 2+ years of additional delays, My Chemical Romance were finally able to take the stage in Boston, with all the furious passion and energy that has rightfully earned them their devoted fanbase since the early aughts. Kicking off their set with the explosive comeback single “The Foundations of Decay” could not have been a more perfect overture to the evening’s festivities, as it blended seamlessly into a set that celebrated both the band’s infectious hits (“Welcome to the Black Parade”, “I’m Not OK (I Promise)”, “Famous Last Words”) and ferocious deep cuts (“Bury Me in Black”, “Thank You for the Venom”).

Singer Gerard Way commanded the audience’s attention with ease, belting the highest notes and snarling quasi-metal shrieks, all while donning a haunting “Black Swan”-esque suit to match the mood. While the rest of the band was dressed more conservatively compared to the iconic frontman, they did not lack one bit of his intensity, with lead guitarist Ray Toro ripping out some of his tightest solos, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero screaming along to double up on Gerard’s ferocity, and Mikey Way holding down the rapid-fire low end whilst patrolling the stage.

The night only slowed down briefly for the fan-favorite ballad “The Ghost of You”, which overwhelmed the Boston arena with a cascade of cellphone lighters from everywhere the eye could see. This (along with countless other moments) showed not only how captivating these songs have been over the last 20+ years, but also is a testament to how much My Chemical Romance stood the test of time and grew with their fanbase, never merely being a nostalgic footnote and always striking with greater ambition than their contemporaries.

My Chemical Romance yet again proved their resilience and cultural impact as a band at this show, and while set closer “Helena” ended the evening with the oh-so-famous cadence of “So long and goodnight”, we can all be very thankful that we won’t have to wait another decade to hear from them again.

Guest review by Brent McCann

Photos from: Boston, MA | TD Garden | 9/8/2022