On Saturday, Aug. 9, iconic rock band My Chemical Romance are heading to MetLife Stadium to tour their renowned ‘The Black Parade’ album. The band’s origins trace right back to the Garden State, where it was formed in 2001. The group was put together in Newark, New Jersey, founded by the band’s lead vocalist and frontman Gerard Way.
Way & his brother Mikey were born in Summit, New Jersey, though the pair were raised not too far away in Belleville. The band’s roots in New Jersey don’t end there, as all of its founding members can be traced back to the state that they’ll be performing in this Saturday. Rhythm guitarist Frank Iero was born in Belleville, lead guitarist Ray Toro was born in Kearny and drummer Matt Pelissier was born in Summit.
As a result of their cultural impact and continued success, the Township of Belleville has decided to honor its hometown heroes. The day of the concert, in front of more than 55,000 raging fans, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham will present the group with a ceremonial Key to the City. The token symbolizes an ode to the place that brought the musicians to where they are today, one of the biggest stages in the country.
“My Chemical Romance’s music is deeply rooted in Belleville, but it has gone on to touch the lives millions of people in every corner of the world,” Melham said. “As they return to play a massive concert just a few miles from where it all began, I am excited to honor them on the behalf of Belleville.”
With the band’s concert made to celebrate their acclaimed 2006 album ‘The Black Parade’, the one that put them on the map and the charts, it is only fitting to honor the place where it all began. The concert is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9. The ceremony is planned to take place as the band performs its hit song “Welcome to the Black Parade”.