My Chemical Romance thanked Liverpool with a heartfelt message as they brought their Long Live The Black Parade Tour to a close at Anfield Stadium. The US rock band kicked off the UK and European leg of the tour in front of a sell-out crowd at the home of Liverpool FC on Tuesday, June 30.
The Black Parade Celebration
The tour celebrates the band's landmark third studio album, The Black Parade, which was released in October 2006. The critically acclaimed concept album debuted at number two on both the UK Albums Chart and the Billboard 200, and spawned four hit singles: Welcome to the Black Parade - the band's first UK number one - Famous Last Words, I Don't Love You and Teenagers.
My Chemical Romance's current line-up features lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero and bassist Mikey Way.
Thank You Liverpool
As the show came to an end, the band took a moment to thank the city and everyone involved in the tour. Addressing the Anfield crowd, they said: "We're extremely lucky to play with the Bunnymen. Tonight has been an extra fun night, Liverpool. We want to thank our cast and crew of Long Live."
Fan Stories: A Lifelong Dream
For many fans, the concert was more than just another gig. Scouser Kieran Rooney described seeing his favourite band perform in his home city as a lifelong dream. The 35-year-old, who lives in Liverpool city centre, said: "This is literally the dream for me. My favourite band and I'm a Red. This is perfect. My stomach is flipping already and I can hear them sound-checking right now. My mind is just blown."
The band have taken on even greater significance for Kieran because he met his now-wife, Nicole Rooney, through their shared love of My Chemical Romance. Nicole moved almost 4,000 miles from North Carolina in the US to make Liverpool her home, and the couple tied the knot earlier this year. Speaking about life in the city, Nicole said: "It's great, but I have good company."
A Sense of Belonging
Their transatlantic love story reflects the sense of community the band has built among its fans. Nicole said: "[My Chemical Romance's music offers] a place of belonging. It's a place of home. It got me into music and made me want to pick up the guitar." Kieran added: "It's a feeling of belonging with them. They express emotions more than just words. It's a sound, a feeling. If you've got a favourite band, you feel that with your favourite band. If you get it, you get it. If you don't, you don't. They mean so much to us both."
Aimee Breary travelled from Stoke-on-Trent with friends for the concert and said My Chemical Romance's music creates a powerful sense of community. The 20-year-old said: "It's an amazing feeling to be around this many people that are just like you. People like us feel very ostracised and different from the norm. But we're all here now and all together."
