9 reasons My Chemical Romance need to reform

In March 2019 it will be six years since My Chemical Romance announced their split but it already feels like a lifetime. Across four studio albums, two live albums, 25 singles and a collection of compilation albums, My Chemical Romance came to define the rock aesthetic of the early 21st century with the kind of galvanizing effect that only seems to come once in a generation. And with the world turning upside down, here are the reasons why My Chemical Romance need to reform now…

1. They didn’t break up acrimoniously

Unlike most bands that cite the perennial reasons of personal bust-ups and musical differences, My Chemical Romance actually parted ways on good terms. So much so, in fact, that they’ve occasionally worked with each other since their split in 2013. Singer Gerard Way has performed live with his bassist brother Mikey, while rhythm guitarist Frank Iero and keyboard player James Dewees formed Death Spells. Dewees has also performed alongside lead guitarist Ray Toro in Reggie And The Effect. So would it really be that much of a stretch for a My Chemical Romance reunion to actually happen?

2. They stand by their fans

Following some disgraceful and exploitative editorial by British tabloids over the tragic death of teenager Hannah Bond, My Chemical Romance fans were given a boost when the band sent them messages of support over their plans to protest against the newspapers.

3. The Black Parade

Put simply, ‘The Black Parade’ is one of the great milestones of 21st century rock and easily the most popular of all the My Chemical Romance albums. It takes a certain kind of chutzpah to release a concept album this far down the line, but the fact that it connected with so many people proves that what it said held a deep-seated resonance.

4. There’s still unfinished business

Whatever happened to ‘MCR 5’, the album that My Chemical Romance was reportedly working on when they split? Given that the band had been building its own studio in Los Angeles and that Frank Iero had praised the work of new drummer Jarrod Alexander – therfore suggesting that work had been going well – some new and unreleased material must be gathering dust somewhere. So with this in mind, any kind of My Chemical Romance reunion would surely contain new material.

5. My Chemical Romance still sound brilliant

Here’s a litmus test for you: what happens when you slap on say, ‘Helena’ or ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’? Here’s what: it takes just mere seconds to realise that My Chemical Romance sound every bit as good now as they did back then. What’s more, these are songs that still resonate and will continue to do so thanks to a band that’s on your side.

6. Their videos are totally incredible

Speaking of ‘Helena’ and ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ and it’s impossible not to think of the excellent videos that accompanied them. A dance sequence in the middle of a funeral? Check! A ballerina corpse? But of course! Surreal, post-apocalyptic cityscapes covered in ash? Yes, we’re having that as well. The more you stop to think about them, the more you realise how much you want to see videos delivered on such a grand and extravagant scale. And even modest fare such as ‘Honey, This Mirror Isn’t Big Enough For The Two Of Us’ reveals a healthy and wonderfully chilling influence from the world of Japanese horror movies.

Go on, lads… do it!

32 photos of My Chemical Romance in their imperious live glory:

7. My Chemical Romance know a thing or two about dressing well

Few are the bands that actually look as sharp as they sound, but My Chemical Romance are up there with the best of them. To look back at the noughties is to recall a time that it was almost impossible to pick up a red tie such was the run on them in the wake of My Chemical Romance. Or how about the injection of colour into their dark aesthetic? Classic looks all, and ones that wouldn’t look out of place now.

8. My Chemical Romance were the focus of empowerment and inspiration

My Chemical Romance was a band that their fans could believe in. Embracing otherness and differences, this was band that welcomed outsiders and told them that it was OK. And by being so frank about his own problems and struggles, Gerard Way showed that you’re not alone in this crazy and mixed up world.

9. Gerard Way is up for it (kind of)

After all four members of My Chemical Romance were photographed together at Frank Iero’s intimate 500-capacity gig at the Troubadour in West Hollywood in May 2017, Gerard Way refused to rule out a reunion. "I wouldn't count (a reunion) out, but at the same time everybody's doing stuff in their lives now that they're really enjoying," Gerard explained to Billboard.

• My Chemical Romance