Songs Of A Different Nature: My Chemical Romance

As the music industry continues to change and new musical acts surface that are reflective of the styles of trend-setting youth, we have come to embrace bands of every variety. One such band reaching a recent pinnacle of popularity is My Chemical Romance, considered to be one of the most prolific alternative rock bands of its time.
Formed in the United States, the group assembled in New Jersey shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks of 2001. Inspired to write by the events of 9/11, Gerard Way put his feelings to paper and enlisted the help of drummer, Matt Pelissier in organizing a fledgling band. Recruited into the band shortly thereafter was lead guitar player, Ray Toro and bass player, Mikey Way – younger brother of Gerard. It was Mikey who named the band My Chemical Romance – derived from the title of a book that caught his attention.
After being signed by Eyeball Records, the band brought on its newest member – rhythm guitar player, Frank Lero in time to record their first album. The album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love was released in 2002 to a moderate reception. The next two years brought a series of changes for the band as they dropped their label to sign with Reprise Records.
They began a whirlwind tour following the release of their second album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge in 2004 – an album that quickly went platinum and prompted the release of popular singles, Helena and The Ghost of You – rocketing the band to popularity through the airwaves. Around this time, the original drummer, Matt Pelissier, was replaced by Bob Bryar, who continues to hold the position to this day.
The year 2005 was a year of touring as the band headed out on a Taste of Chaos tour – a compilation of alternative bands - and as the opening act for Green Day's American Idiot tour. But by the end of the year, the group had toured throughout the United States in support of their own album. They kicked off 2006 by beginning to record their third album – Welcome to the Black Parade which was first aired on the radio on September 11th of that year and released in stores by the end of 2006.
My Chemical Romance fans are a dedicated group who carried the band to stardom amidst a grassroots movement, and remain dedicated to the band’s laidback alternative style and horror genre inspired music videos. Also adding to its popularity among fans, the band was also heralded for being among the first to offer free downloads of their songs through MySpace and other online resources.
My Chemical Romance continues to tour this year in support of their album with a legion of loyal fans behind them and packed arenas around the country. Since the band's beginning they have stayed true to the music and their own personal style – and in so doing have attracted another generation of music lovers coming up in the world.