We’ll Carry On - How the UK leg of My Chemical Romance’s tour “Long Live The Black Parade” has everyone sobbing
At the beginning of July, almost half of the UK got their eyeliner out again and put their marching band outfits on to join the Black Parade.
My Chemical Romance are an iconic rock band from the 2000’s and were often sited as the ‘holy trinity of emo’ - though have said a few times they don’t identify as an emo band. That doesn’t change the impact they had on thousands of teenagers and adults alike, all over the world, who DID/DO identify as emo. Their albums are always conceptual and dramatic and their story is inspiring for many. From their unique origin story, their top tier talent and performances and of course, their break up.
I, personally, found them on the one year anniversary of their break up so I spent my teen years completely obsessed with them yet also convinced (extremely unhappily) that I’d never get the chance to see them live. I got to see them live in 2022 which was an absolute fever dream and I remember ending up at the bottom of an emo pile up when everyone in the pit fell over - ONTO ME. It was kind of scary actually but Gerard way asked me if I was okay. But we all know that the only right answer to that question is no, I’m not okay.
The band announced their Black Parade tour in September 2025 (World tour - as they had done a few North American dates), to many people’s excitement.
I attended the Anfield stadium concert and immediately after the show, went on Viagogo and booked a Wembley stadium show and I’m sure I am not the only one. The emotional impact of the show was unlike anything I’d ever attended and genuinely one was not enough. I’ve never been someone who followed artists around the world - yes, I’ve definitely gone to see artist’s shows multiple times but I never understood every SINGLE show. This was the performance that made me FINALLY understand it. (Even better if it was as photographer but I LOVE LOVE LOVE their tour photographer @wheresbryce he’s fantastic. Also a quick nod to @shotbynora who took one of the best photos I might’ve ever seen.)
First of all, there’s the LORE. There’s so much to it. The album itself has its own characters and world. The band bring that world onto stage every night in a way that’s fun, interesting and makes you go ‘What in the-’
Yeah, it’s weird, wacky and so so wonderful!
SO, I am going to tell you about all the Lore kind of stuff here and then later on I’m going to discuss the gig and the collective sentimentality we have towards it because I do think they are separate major parts of the show.
THE LORE
A quick note that, other than the band, most of the characters from the original album concept do not reappear, such as The Patient.
Before the show we are handed a sign with ‘YEA’ and ‘NEA’ on either side.
We are transported to the country of draag. It is a dystopian society seemingly based heavily on communism and/or fascism (interesting that two things that seem so vastly different on paper can have so many thematic similarities. Perhaps the reason they don’t flesh out the political ideations is because of exactly this. They are trying to comment that any society can become this way if the wrong people get into power and their so called ‘Politics’ don’t play a part in who is good or bad. Any political ideation can turn out to be a disaster in practice because of the lies and corruption involved in the system.) The band are called ‘The Black Parade’ and are performing for the ‘Grand immortal dictator.’ Other Characters include Marianne (absolute diva) the Clerk and the Secretary.
To my knowledge, there were different plots on different legs of the tour. For this, I would suggest having a look at videos and clips that go further into the plot as I will be mainly talking about the UK leg.
They have their own language called Keposhka and their own national anthem, which plays as the band step out on stage. You can see that their tour logo is ‘MCR’ in this language and there are a few of the ‘Rules’ in this language. The rules of Draag are presented on screens around the stadium before the show. Rules included ‘Having fun is mandatory’ and ‘Only sing along when unsure of the correct lyrics.’
The rules are satirical but an interesting commentary on law and ideology. There’s a couple times when the screens state ‘We are watching’ which is definitely very 1984 coded. There are many aspects that seem loosely based on 1984, such as the totalitarian government, the themes and ideology (which I’ll shortly get into) and even some of the wordings such as the frequent use of ‘Ministry of.’ Speaking of which, the story goes that the band ‘The Black Parade’ were imprisoned in ‘Moat’ - we aren’t completely certain on what this stands for, though the wikipedia states “The MOAT, otherwise known as the Ministry of Advanced Technology or the Ministry of Approved Therapy, is a prison in Gubrick, Province of Lehpka, Draag.”
The set design, world building and other elements of the show such as colour schemes and costuming also prove to be very reminiscent of 1984 (of course, as well as very real life fashion and aesthetics from around the times of the cold war.) As someone who recently read this book and cried - I understand why it might have inspired them to create such a grand show.
Sci-Fi and Dystopian fiction has always had a deeper message around the political climate of the world. They are supposed to read as warnings of what our world could become if we give into the worst parts of our humanity and lose our hope and kindness. George Orwell’s 1984 was published on June 8th 1949, yet its concepts and themes seem to get more and more relevant as time passes. The development of technology as surveillance, media as propaganda and hate as distraction has made the fictional world of the book seem all the more real.
The band have an insanely large platform to be able to get their message out to the masses and have put their heart and soul into creating a similar world that reflects the horrors of our society back onto us. From Gerard commissioning the fantastic Graphic designer and typographer, Nate Piekos to create an entire language - to the stunts, production value and storytelling from as many platforms as possible. The country has its own traditions, media and even provinces (9.)
Apparently, Gerard even speaks to the crowd using a Draagoshka accent. I wouldn’t know - I’ve never met a Draagoshkan before. The band were reconditioned at ‘The Moat’ and are performing on ‘work release’ for the Grand Immortal dictator on his travels. They perform as though they are being forced to comply, with occasional moments of clarity and rebellion. There are constant overseers of the performance, such as The Secretary and The Clerk, ensuring everything is correct and in order. At one point in the show, the clerk slaps Gerard when he refuses to read aloud what is handed to him on a piece of paper.
A few songs into the performance, Gerard announces for everyone to bring their attention to the B-stage, where 4 prisoners are stood wearing the ‘MOAT’ logo. We are unable to see their faces. Gerard states vaguely that they have questioned the dictator in some way and instructs us to use our yea/nay signs to decide their fate. In all the shows (unless they are doing a comedic bit) the prisoners are executed regardless of what the public say. Granted, a lot of people vote for them to be executed because they know it’s silly but I do think it’s a major commentary on the illusion of choice when it comes to powerful decisions.
Alternatively, I think it could be a statement on human nature, how we are entertained by death and violence as they carry the bodies out to silly clown music. Throughout history, hangings and public executions were a town source of entertainment. It’s quite easy to forget that with changes in societal norms, conditioning and propaganda, that part of our nature could easily come to the surface. Just because it’s a comment on something that no longer happens doesn’t mean that the fact that it happened at all doesn’t showcase a lot of faults with human nature and society.
During Mama, Gerard is always seen sat on a chair reading a magazine. Some of these magazines are silly and humorous references to pop culture and some are political commentaries that add further Lore to the world.
During the UK leg, he was seen reading:
Sea History
Modern Exterminator
Classic Tractor
Battery City Times (OH MY GOD. DANGER DAYS AND DRAAG UNIVERSE CROSSOVER)
Balls magazine
During Sleep, a missile is shown being launched towards an unknown location. The performance carries on as normal and the audience jump and shout as usual.
The Clerk reappears and forces Gerard to put the Black Parade jacket back on.
The stage begins to catch fire as the band perform "Famous Last Words." It starts slow and builds up as the screen shows the Draag missile launched earlier making its way towards its target. A countdown appears on the screen towards the end of the song, with the final downbeat of the song hitting when the countdown reaches zero. There are fireworks, including pyrotechnics that shoot THROUGH the venue.
“As the stage quiets down, the band performs a reprise of "The End." The Clerk appears dressed as a pierrot, a type of clown, and dances around the stage, before stabbing Gerard in the chest. Gerard collapses to the ground, crawls over to a footswitch board, and presses a button as the song ends and he dies. The screen shows a large rippling explosion while the Clerk/Clown makes a phone call on a red telephone sitting on the stage. Crew members dressed in all black appear to kidnap the rest of the band and haul them away. […]
The Clerk/Clown lip-syncs to the song "Blood," dancing around the stage. As the song ends, the Clerk/Clown removes his jacket to reveal an explosive vest, which detonates at the end of the song.” - The Ministry of Records, Long Live the Black Parade Wiki.
So, what do I think the main themes of this plot are?:
Censorship in entertainment:
Does Gerard Way have a theatre degree? (He doesn’t. But he does have a BA in art.) Back in the day (Pre-1968) every single theatre performance was subject to a form of censorship. In the UK, plays and musicals had to be approved by the Lord Chamberlains office to tour the UK and local shows could also be rejected/authorised by the local authority. The reason for this was so that shows didn’t violate peoples opinions on the crown and general society. It ‘prevented’ anything indecent, offensive or blasphemous taking place. Homosexuality was not allowed to be overtly shown (we found ways around it) and of course, no one was allowed to parody or talk ill of those in power. I know the US has a similar story around censorship in theatre.
Censorship is a way of control. Not allowing people to speak out about important issues. It still happens. All the time. There are still oppressive countries that utilise censorship for power in all their media. Western countries do it too. Not as outwardly severe but just as detrimental. Our news outlets, algorithms and major media companies like agencies and publishing houses choose to show us what they want us to see. DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM. anyway, so Gerard Way was reading balls magazine and-
The only thing more powerful than a person is a lot of people. Especially people with creativity, strong voices and important things to say. When peoples art gets noticed, it starts to break down the issues and allow people to see the big picture. The big guys can’t be having that. They silence and call it censorship.
Technology as Surveillance
This one isn’t as major of a theme because the world they create isn’t particularly developed technologically. Or is it? Because at a lot of the shows there was this kind of all seeing eye object. Plus of course, as usual at a concert, there were screens up showing the band and the audience. Which would mean nothing if it weren't for the signs saying ‘Always watching Mike Was-’ what? That’s not what they said. Oh right okay. Anyway, if we’re looking at it from a plot perspective, the camera’s around the room would definitely be a way for the grand immortal dictator to watch his subjects and ensure they’re following the rules. They also stream all of the shows. Another commentary POSSIBLY about streaming as surveillance. (Or it’s so people can just watch it and enjoy it. Plus the story slightly develops with every show so people can keep up with it.)
Illusion of Choice
The main example of this is the execution but it’s a major commentary anyway. There’s the illusion of choice when it comes to how you FEEL about the dictator when everything around him is carefully curated and executed in a way that you have to follow him. They attempt to make him likeable by giving him fun props like a Liverpool scarf or a giant hotdog. He wants you to thank him for ALLOWING ‘The Black Parade’ (Band) to return. “Please welcome to the stage our Grand Immortal dictator” - even THAT feels like a choice even though we know it absolutely isn’t and we need to meet him with high energy.
As well, other than the execution, we don’t actually SEE the dictator approve or actively DO anything wrong. We just get that general sense of oppression from the context clues. If you actually lived in this world, however, there’s that element of ‘Likability’ that could lead to a person feeling like they WANT this dictator to be there. Or even, NEED him there.
Entertainment as distraction
First of all, everything is going on with this performance while they’re sending a whole MISSILE off to another country. This was all an intentional commentary on the way that performance and entertainment is used to distract from destruction.
Of course we’re all looking at Gerard Way while this happens because, wow, he looks very handsome. And all the crazy pyrotechnics and dancing to the song. I can think of many real life examples where pop culture performances, live events and various other performances have been used to distract the masses from major political events. (Music should actually bring your attention to this stuff, just saying.)
War & Hate as a demolition (lovers) of hope
It’s very important to remember that there is war and destruction going on in the world and, unfortunately, we need to prepare for anything to happen. HOWEVER, throughout history, the use of War hasn’t just been for conflict. It’s to put people in a state of compliance. That’s why in the book 1984, there’s always some sort of war going on but it’s ambiguous whether it’s real or not. War makes you feel patriotic but sometimes you have to remember… your country isn’t always right. War creates fear and desperation - the way that corrupt people get back into power and we lose our autonomy to stand up for causes that seem “smaller.” Think about when a certain person in power was threatening war with another country around the time of the ICE raids. Imagine having so much power that you can threaten such terrible things just to distract from other terrible things. Yes, I WILL get political on my My Chemical Romance podcastblog because yes, it is that deep.
It’s pretty obvious how this connects with the show in its violent imagery and statements on war. The way it’s done so casually, all this is going on while the band perform their songs, read magazines and the Grand Immortal dictator simply just… stares.
THE NOSTALGIA OF THIS SHOW
I think it needs to be STUDIED how much this show collectively moved us to our core. I am seeing so many videos of people who, just like me, felt like one concert wasn’t enough and stated that what they’re feeling is WAY WORSE than post-concert depression. Which it is true, i’ve never felt anything like it. A week later I still can’t stop thinking about it. This band means a lot, to a lot of people and their music and infectious personalities got them through their teenage years.
The influence this band had on music, pop culture and aesthetics in the late 2000’s/early 2010’s is astronomical. They remind people of a hard yet somehow lighter time. Dealing with the struggles of teenage-adult life at a time when music, art and media was your entire world. It had the ability to get you through the day, excited to finally get your headphones on and escape.
Then, nearly 12 years later, I’m trying to go about my normal adult life and find myself at Liverpool Anfield stadium with a couple of my closest friends, waiting in buzzing anticipation to see them.
The band come out on stage. Suddenly, I am 14 again. They begin playing ‘The End’ and I am SMILING so hard. The nights that I genuinely CRIED out of fear I’d never see the band and now not only am I seeing them but it’s in a stadium with around 80,000 people AND i’m stood with the girl that introduced me to them. The atmosphere in the room proved that most others felt the same.
They play through the entirety of The Black Parade album in full. The transition from The End to Dead! was something I only ever dreamed of hearing. I love when songs on an album transition from one to the next and I would say this is the best example of that. Live backings and vocals were absolutely fantastic. The band wouldn’t have made it to where they are without passion and talent and both were rampant throughout their entire performance.
3 more songs later, it’s time. I’m hoping you’ll remember the running joke that the best way to trigger a My Chemical Romance fan was to play that iconic opening G note of their hit song ‘Welcome to the Black Parade.’ This was THE song of the 2010’s and would constantly be played on rotation on both Kerrang! radio and of course, my car, bedroom and anywhere that had a CD player. Many people were extremely affected by the break up of the band and would be genuinely upset when they heard the G note as a reminder of that. (Many people being me.)
Lo and Behold, an entire stadium - around 60,000 at Anfield and nearly 100,000 people by the way - are somehow jumping and dancing happily with sobbing tears down their faces. There’s genuinely no way I can describe the feeling of so many people singing ‘We’ll carry on’ at such a high volume. It was extremely beautiful and emotional and I genuinely think anyone could have been affected by it. Even people who aren’t fans of the band.
We all sang our hearts out to the likes of ‘I don’t love you’ and ‘cancer’ in a very healing alternative to therapy before the absolute carnage and chaos of ‘Teenagers’ looking like a field of kangaroos just bouncing around. Then, it was a constant stream of tears from the soulful tune and lyrics of disenchanted, which talks about being an adult looking back on your life and then Famous Last Words which somehow hit in the same way but harder than Black Parade. When the lyrics ‘I am not afraid to keep on living’ gave you enough hope in your teenage years that you are now standing, many years later in your mid-late 20’s or older, in a ginormous stadium watching them - well, it’s beautiful. Especially If you’re sharing that feeling with thousands of people. Remember that feeling, it’s hope.
Just to shove the knife in harder, they do a slow piano reprise of ‘The End’ again. It brings the show full circle but also reminds the audience of the full circle connection they have to the music. Plus, again, the lyrics go back to that feeling of being a little lost as an adult, ‘You might wake up and notice you’re someone you’re not.’
I also just KNOW most of us are sentimental and nostalgic people. So, take from that what you will.
After the whole performance of Blood, there’s an intermission where the band move over to the B-stage while an orchestra play some lovely string music.
From the B-stage, the band always play a completely different setlist. The only constants are the major hits ‘NANANA’ ‘Helena’ and ‘I’m not okay.’
As i’ve said, I got 2 setlist because I went twice. Personally, I preferred the first one because I got cemetery drive (we got it at both shows but it was more exciting the first time) ‘Summertime’ and ‘Kids from Yesterday. We also got a Black Parade B-side, ‘Heaven Help us.’
In this particular case, I’ll just talk about the big 3 but I do want to mention that Summertime and Kids from Yesterday are such beautiful and heartwarming songs, I love them a lot and I cried when I heard them.
NANANA. HELL YEAH. What a bloodpumping, energetic song to get the entire crowd going. They always turn on the stadium lights and you can look around and see clearly everyone jumping about 5 feet in the air its stunning.
I'm not Okay. Oof. Those first few bars immediately remind me of the music video. “If you’ve ever felt alone” appearing on screen. Looking around at around 90,000 people singing along, we definitely didn't feel alone at that time. Such a beautiful and special moment. There’s also a lot to be said about many people that have grown and healed since the first time they related to this song. For many, the words “I’m okay now” were genuinely true and it’s a bittersweet picture to appreciate the difference between those timelines.
Helena. I understand the band want to mix it up and change the set list around but I genuinely do think they should end it on this song every time. It’s so full circle with the lyrics being ‘So long and goodnight.’ It’s the most hard hitting songs for me, tapping into the nostalgia of the time, emotional meaning behind the song and getting to scream it in such a healing way. It genuinely took my breath away and was such a special moment to be a part of.
They couldn’t have done such a fantastic tour without the amazing people behind it on the team. The production, the actors, the set. Everything was so immaculate and theatrical - full of life. By adding more to the story every time, it’s not getting boring to them - you can tell they’re enjoying every moment and it shows.
My one qualm is I would like to see more mosh pits and a little less standing around than there was in the crowd. That’s not really the bands fault though - just an encouragement for anyone going to see them in the future. However, you can enjoy concerts and music however you like just make sure it’s a space for everyone.
I love the costumes and amazing alternative outfits and makeup that everyone is wearing, keep it up and make sure you wear waterproof mascara.
Will see you next time they come back. If you have the chance to see them on the last few dates of the tour I’m very jealous of you and I hope you have the best time.
Please note, I have done lots of research and deep diving for this so here’s some links to the sources:
https://youtu.be/T5bwqKbxn4Q?si=bOHliFCVAFN0GiA-
https://youtu.be/KRHVF-w73eE?si=2YpQxJc3ROaxMMg4
https://youtu.be/R92fYldSkNg?si=Cj19u_KNbM6uSsPl
https://youtu.be/xiJthOQtoOs?si=AkD94cQMbKk4Bhh1
https://www.kerrang.com/how-i-created-my-chemical-romances-secret-language-keposhka
https://blambot.com/en-gb/pages/the-language-of-the-black-parade