My Chemical Romance kicked off the UK and European leg of The Black Parade at Anfield Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, in front of a sell-out crowd. The opening moments saw rhythm guitarist Frank Iero appear on stage wearing a Liverpool FC scarf, sparking a huge reaction from the Anfield crowd.
Frank Iero's Liverpool Connection
Iero is well known for supporting the Reds and has been spotted over the years wearing Liverpool shirts on stage and sharing social media posts celebrating Liverpool players. The band arrived on stage and immediately issued a message to the crowd: "Alright, Liverpool. It's very nice to be here today. Thanks for having us. You all look lovely today. We are the 52nd Sergeant of the Black Parade... and we are here in support of the most handsome man."
The Black Parade Tour
The tour celebrates the band's third studio album, The Black Parade, released in October 2006. The concept album received rave reviews, debuting at number two in the UK Albums Chart and the Billboard 200. It was supported by four 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 currently consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero and bassist Mikey Way.
Fan Reactions
The ECHO spoke to fans outside the ground ahead of the show about why the band's music continues to strike a chord two decades on. The gig was particularly special to Scouser Kieran Rooney, who said the chance to watch his favourite band in his home city was a dream come true. The 35-year-old, who lives in the 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 an increased significance to Kieran as he met his now wife, Nicole Rooney, through a shared love of My Chemical Romance. Nicole hails from the US and has moved almost 4,000 miles from North Carolina to make Liverpool her new home. The two tied the knot this year and Nicole is loving her new Liverpool surroundings as she said: "It's great, but I have good company." Their transatlantic romance is emblematic of how My Chemical Romance can unite a community of people from all backgrounds, as 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." Her husband Kieran agreed as he 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 had travelled from Stoke-on-Trent with her friends and said My Chemical Romance makes you feel a part of a community of something bigger. 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."
