My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance turned theatrical concept albums and sharp-edged rock into one of the defining sounds of the 2000s. Formed in New Jersey in September 2001, the band began with vocalist Gerard Way, bassist Mikey Way, guitarist Ray Toro and drummer Matt Pelissier; rhythm guitarist Frank Iero joined soon afterward. The current lineup consists of Gerard Way, Toro, Iero and Mikey Way.

After signing to Eyeball Records, My Chemical Romance released its debut, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, in 2002. A move to Reprise Records followed the next year, and the band's major-label debut, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, arrived in 2004. Shortly after its release, Pelissier was replaced by drummer Bob Bryar. The album became a commercial success and reached platinum status more than a year later.

The band expanded its scale with 2006's The Black Parade, a rock opera concept album whose lead single, “Welcome to the Black Parade,” topped the UK singles chart. The record eclipsed the success of its predecessors and helped solidify My Chemical Romance's following, while negative coverage from the Daily Mail created controversy. Though frequently associated with emo and pop-punk, the group has rejected the emo label.

My Chemical Romance released its fourth studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, in 2010. Bryar left before the album's release, and touring keyboardist James Dewees joined in 2012. During 2012 and 2013, the band issued a run of songs recorded in 2009 under the collective title Conventional Weapons. Although a fifth studio album had initially been discussed, the group announced its breakup on March 22, 2013. A greatest-hits collection, May Death Never Stop You, followed in 2014.

In October 2019, My Chemical Romance announced its reunion and played a reunion show that December. Further dates led to the Reunion Tour, held in 2022 and ending in early 2023. In May 2022, the band released “The Foundations of Decay,” its first new music in eight years.