My Chemical Romance Concert, 15th November 2007

My Chemical Romance Concert, 15th November 2007 The London Underground is a mass of black, with emos, goths, punks and grungers alike swarming onto the tube all intent on the same purpose. To see the O2 arena transformed into the grounds of My Chemical Romance for one of their biggest, most highly anticipated concerts yet. Whether it's studded belts, forked fringes or muddy converses defining them, every fan can feel confident about their ability to fit in here.

A queue snakes around the entire arena as the excitement reaches extraordinary heights and a chant arises from the depths of the line, "MCR! MCR! MCR!" Only to be drowned by a deafening scream as the doors to the mosh pit are flung open and a thousand vans, converses and etnies swarm inside.

As the stands slowly fill with teens, toddlers and testosterone filled adults, all laden with as much merchandise possible, the lights are dimmed to a decent amount of stamps and screams and MSI stroll confidently on stage. With his trademark "Manga" Hair, Jimmy Urine (Lead singer) proceeds to bellow their songs, ending one on a note which Celine Dion would be proud of.

As they rage through their set, gaining appreciative headbangs from even the harshest of critics, MSI succeed in involving the restless crowd in a chorus of Spice Girls. When bassist and new wife of MCR frontman Gerard Way, Lyn - Z dives into the crowd, all eyes are trained on her, whether out of curiosity, hatred or admiration is unknown and unimportant as with a final bow, MSI are cheered off stage and a strange silence is befallen over the hall.

8.45 the mass of top hats and leather are bobbing up and down with an impatient atmosphere. Those formerly sitting on shoulders have climbed/fallen down and the familiar chant is starting up again, finally ending in an "MC - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" As the lights are blacked out completely and the chivalrous troupe march valiantly on stage in a simple yet still intriguing black attire.

The first few beautiful notes emitted from Ray Toro's (Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals) guitar are unheard, as the arena is a frenzy of stamps, screams and cheers. A wide array of smiles, tears and jumping, all seemingly untameable before Mr Gerard Way (Lead Vocals) waves his hand, casting his amazing spell over the crowd, starting a swaying of heads as the new song "Stay" is played. And if the band had any former doubts about its popularity, they are to be pleasantly surprised, though obviously disappointed about their lack of knowledge on the lyrics of the song; it is ended to squeals, shouts and general cheering applause.

To say the concert is a success would be a gross misconception. Toro plucks his notes affectionately, along with the heartstrings of every awed fan in the crowd. Mikey Way (Bassist) returning from his break, rages out notes from his bass, signifying a head bang at every ringing riff. And clearly thrilled to be back on stage once again, Gerard Way commands the stage and the crowd with adoring ease, caressing everyone in the room with his heart rendering lyrics, encasing them in his eerie yet breathtaking spell almost like a blanket. And of course there's also the general sexual references to which the audience all seem to enjoy. When Way declares he wishes to take them home with him in his pocket, an ear splitting scream of immense pitch is echoed off the walls.

Its not just the newest albums being played, proven as MCR scream through No 1 hit " Welcome to The Black Parade," along "This is How I Disappear" and slightly older "Give Em Hell Kid," to frantic if not odd imitations of the introduction "Woow woooow woooow!"

The now fully hyped crowd are lucky enough to be serenaded by tracks "Honey this mirror isn't big enough for the two of us" and "Headfirst for Halos" which followed a enourmous and extremely triumphant Mexican wave, lights flashing, illuminating the shining eyes of not only the crowd, but MCR as they look upon the scene with the air of one's truly loving their dreams. And they aren't the only ones. Everyone in the room feels their troubles soar away as they scream the lyrics with a heart felt passion towards the band who have brought them this happiness and in a lot of cases, saved their lives.

Though the lack of Rhythm Guitarist "Frankie" Iero and Drummer Bob Bryar is highly noticeable, all songs fall through without a note wrong and as Gerard ploughs into "Cancer," Phones are lit and waved like fireflies on a summers eve. The screams are let down an octave or ten in eager apprehension and heads start to sway in set unision as Gerard stops the highly desirable pelvic thrusts and sings his morbid tale to the throng with the sensitivity of someone twice his age, reaching out to the crowd as they take his hand and journey with him in the darkened room.

It's time to go. This moment in time is both wonderful and terrible, confirmed by the tears of joy at the pure quality and sheer amazement of the concert they just witnessed and tears of sorrow for it having to end. With a final scream, Gerard sends the crowd into possibly the loudest, most excited, respectful cheer yet,
"We Love You London!"
And though not in unision, you can guarantee that every sweaty boy and girl in the rumbling arena was joining up a speech which will apply for years to come.
"MCR! We Love you Too!"

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