Look Alive Dallas! My Chemical Romance Returns to North Texas

All photos by Daniel Martinez

The year was 2005, it was the first day of school. No friends in sight, because I had moved to a new school. Trying to learn the concept of how unlock a locker lock. Hesitant to ask for help, the boy next to my locker offered to help as he saw me confused. He then asked what type of music I listened to and if I have heard of this band called My Chemical Romance. I said “no” since it was the first time ever hearing that name. A friendship was formed after that conversation. Days later he he took his CD player(yes those were real, not just a myth), and handed me his headphones, told me to put them on to listen to a cool song. He turned it on and skipped to the 5th track. A guitar riff started playing, followed by the snare of the drums. Then the vocals came in. To this point I thought it was a good song, then the chorus hit and from that day I was hooked, it was I’m Not Okay (I Promise). That evening he showed me the music video of Helena and I was mesmerized. 

Fast forward 17 years later, many parades and dangerously days have passed. A breakup and now life has come full circle with a reunion. 13 year old me would have never imagine this day would happen. I’m sure the 16,000 Killjoys that reunited at the sold out American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX also thought this day was going to be out of reach. Despite of having two year delay due to pandemic it didn’t discouraged the Killjoys around the globe, it only fueled their anticipation. An emotion that would eventually be released. 

Excitement couldn’t be contained any longer when the band stormed into the stage. The cheers where ear-shattering as My Chemical Romance welcomed everyone with their latest single, The Foundations of Decay. A song that was well received. It was just a warm up for the next song, Thank You for the Venom. As soon as that known guitar riff started, the place came apart at the seams. From that point on nothing or anyone could tame the Killjoys down. The set became a bit mellow 3 songs later when Summertime was performed. However that didn’t last long as it went straight Cemetery Drive, one of the many songs that would be performed from Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. 

Boy Division would make its Dallas debut, a song that was released way back in 2012 in the  Conventional Weapons EPs. As if the songs previously performed weren’t enough the iconic lyrics were “When I was a young boy” were chanted as the band went into Welcome to the Black Parade. At this point it hit me what I was witnessing. almost two decades of listening to My Chem. A lot happens in 20 years, but these song still hold the same sentimental value as when we first heard them. 

The night ended with Famous Last Words, Vampires Will Never Hurt You, Helena, and Cancer. A proper ending to a spectacular concert that will leave many thinking off throughout the following days or till the next time My Chemical Romance marches into Dallas with their black parade, followed by the thousands of Killjoys. Three cheers for the reunion tour. 

Setlist

The Foundations of Decay
Thank You for the Venom
I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
Vampire Money
This is How I Disappear
Summertime
Cemetery Drive
Our Lady of Sorrows
Hang ‘Em High
Boy Division
Welcome to the Black Parade
Teenagers
Destroya
It’s Not a Statement, It’s a Fucking Deathwish
Mama
House of Wolves
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
Famous Last Words
Vampires Will Never Hurt You
Helena
Cancer