My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way sent Liverpool fans into a frenzy when he took to the Anfield stage wearing a Liverpool shirt. The shirt commemorated the Reds' famous 2005 Champions League triumph and featured "Gerrard" on the back.
Tour Kickoff at Anfield
The US rock band kicked off the UK and European leg of its Long Live The Black Parade Tour in front of a sell-out crowd at the home of Liverpool FC on Tuesday, June 30. 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, spawning 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 consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero and bassist Mikey Way.
Crowd Reaction and Frank Iero's Support
Gerard Way's choice of shirt drew a huge reaction from the Anfield crowd, while guitarist Frank Iero continued his well-documented support for Liverpool FC. Iero has frequently worn Liverpool shirts on stage over the years and regularly celebrates the club and its players on social media.
Near the end of the show, the crowd broke into a Liverpool FC chant as the frontman told fans: "Liverpool is Frank's favourite team, in case you didn't know."
Concert Highlights
The concert opened with The End. before the band launched into fan favourites including Dead!, This Is How I Disappear, The Sharpest Lives, Welcome to the Black Parade, I Don't Love You and House of Wolves.
As the show came to a close, the band thanked Liverpool and everyone involved in the tour. Addressing the 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." 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."
Another Fan's Perspective
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."
