My Chemical Romance

Carla signing on here to talk you through the utterly ear shattering and impeccable theatre show that was MCR for Wembley 11/07/26.

Myself and James had tickets to the first date of this residency on the 8th July, my mum Lynda was meant to come with us but sadly had passed away in May after a long battle with an aggressive Cancer. We sold the tickets because I couldn't face to have the empty seat next to me, we very quickly realised after seeing the content from Night 1 — this was a stupid decision. We managed to upgrade and get standing tickets to the last Wembley show on the 11th July and OH MY are we glad we did.

I am fortunate enough to have seen MCR 3 times prior and Gerard Way on his solo tour back in 2017 but poor James had never seen them so this was a big deal for him. One thing about MCR is they never disappoint; the stage set design, the playlists being different every night, the theatrics, the passion — all of it as impressive as the last time I have seen them.

As soon as we arrived in London we were met with a friendly wall of black and fancy dress, fans depicting every stage of MCR's portfolio of art. Everyone looked impressive, even more so as it was a 32 degree heatwave and they stayed dedicated on the day. As soon as we reached the stadium the energy was electric, some fans already in tears with anticipation of what was to come.

The Merchandise was a big thrill, they not only had a venue themed poster to commemorate the gig but a limited edition Blue, Red & White vinyl of The Black Parade. This was unfortunately snapped up very quickly and was sold out by the time we reached the front queue BUT we managed to secure the last poster and did a little dance of victory as we stepped aside.

A big disappointment to see resellers online now listing this £40 vinyl for £200 for fans wanting to have a keepsake or, like us, were unable to obtain one on the day … the search continues.

Another great detail of the day was the frozen cocktails. I am sure a lot of other consumers can vouch for us here — they were amazing and STRONG. Well worth the money compared to a mildly warm pint that didn't last two minutes. Now we were feeling nice and tipsy we headed down to the pitch standing.

Shoutout to the security guy giving high fives to fans as we entered the pitch, they understood the assignment and he was where he was meant to be as self proclaimed hype man for the night! We nestled into the sea of EMO's — a very vast range of ages but every single person as emotional and excited as the next and stood ready for the night to unravel.

The clock hits 8.15pm and there is a roar from the front pits. Me being 5'3 cannot see a thing but trust the howls from the front to signal this was it. BOOM. SHOWTIME. Mikey, Ray, Frank, Gerard pile out stage left into the catalyst of tears, screams and shouts.

They ran through The Black Parade track by track perfectly. It was weirdly nice knowing the first segment of the show is the same, and for someone looking to avoid a certain C bomb song that hits me in the feels and painful tears due to the obvious personal attachment to it, can avoid it easily. I have never been to a show where the album is not the mystery of the setlist and it was refreshing — you knew the Black Parade was going to hit and knew it was being played in its entirety, it somehow geared the crowd up by knowing the exact sequence.

The real curve ball was the B stage set list, this was a real lucky dip. We had an impeccable selection including the first live play of Party Poison since the Danger Days tour in 2011 — this felt extra special to share with the other participants of the evening. Other draws included Vampire Money, Desert Song, Kids from Yesterday and Vampires Will Never Hurt You. The fact they changed this up for every show was really special for the fans watching and made it feel tailored and fresh; there was something beautiful in having the first half so beautifully orchestrated and lined up like a church service then leading into chaos and wonder.

The theatrics were amazing, they did a great job of feeding the lore of the Black Parade and it being immersive for the fans in the crowd, from characters, costumes and the time being reflected perfectly at us — it felt like you were in the band and going through it with them when every beat hit.

One thing that cannot be argued was the EMOTION. All of the band members looking to each other throughout the night as if to say 'Fuck…. this means a lot to everyone still' — they seemed genuinely thrilled to be there and perform for every single person there.

I am eagerly waiting for the Danger Days tour to be announced as the lore feeds this is what is lined up next and I can't wait to be shouting at them from a crowd once again. I have grown up with this band like many others and they have been a constant through so many life changes and events that come with growing up, but every time I see them live it takes me back to listening to them in my room at the age of 13 and feeling like I belong.