The Black Parade: My Chemical Romance’s Undying March

Hey, what’s that sound? Oh, just the collective scream of fans as My Chemical Romance announces the upcoming Long Live The Black Parade Tour in 2025, a celebration of their 2006 album, The Black Parade. 

And guess what – The Black Parade will be resurrected in full, for fans to live its glory from start to finish. Sure, this emo pilgrimage is happening in North America, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting swept up in the hype! I’m still holding out hope for Singapore dates. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll drop a new album as the cherry on top? A girl can dream. 

The cryptic teaser video for their tour? Classic MCR! Cue the great Dictator and “THE CONCRETE AGE,” where everything looks stable and prosperous on the surface. But the Dictator’s plan to celebrate culture, food, and entertainment is a thin veil over the chaos. And The Black Parade as His Grand Immortal Dictator’s National Band? Oh, the irony! The Dictator might think he’s controlling the narrative, but it’s MCR marching to their own beat. This whole theatrical setup is everything The Black Parade stands for – a rebellion that celebrates life, no matter the odds. 

Isn’t this all so exciting? Whether you’re a veteran fan or a new-generation one like me, I’m sure MCR’s discography has a forever home in our loyal playlists – but nothing compares to seeing them perform live. But you’re only 19! What could MCR possibly mean to you? I know. I may be part of the younger wave of My Chemical Romance fans, but they’ve had a steady presence for a good portion of my life. When One Direction went on hiatus – phew, a dark time – it was only so long until I found another band to hyper-fixate on.

And how lucky was I to discover them as I was piecing together my own identity! Now, with this tour bringing The Black Parade back into the spotlight (it never left, honestly), I simply have to revisit the impact the release of this masterpiece had. So get snug in your black jackets and stay with me as I gush over My Chemical Romance!

From MCR, With Love 

Released in 2006, The Black Parade is a seminal rock opera that combines passionate rock music and theatrical storytelling. At the heart of it all is The Patient, a character facing his final days as he battles cancer. Through a series of interconnected songs, this profound album reflects his emotional journey of love, loss, and eventually, acceptance. It’s cinematic, dramatic, and it redefined the emo genre. Let’s get into it. 

The best way I could describe The Black Parade is a subcultural manifesto; something bigger than its moment in time; something that’s transcended its 2000s roots to resonate with a whole new generation of fans – including me. We experience My Chemical Romance through a completely different lens, shaped by the world we live in now and the personal struggles we face. So how does their discography speak to us?

For one, The Black Parade has always been the perfect soundtrack to the universal rollercoaster that is adolescence – so that part’s no different. They’ve bottled the essence of not having anything figured out into their tracks, and I think I think teen MCR fans, no matter the era, will agree when I say their music has been a source of comfort. The band’s openness about mental health and isolation has become a lifeline for so many of us navigating our own emotional landscapes – especially now when mental health is discussed louder than ever. 

And with the resurgence of alternative subculture amongst younger Gen Zs, The Black Parade – and MCR’s music in general – feels more relevant than ever. It’s the safety net we need right now. In a world that feels constantly in flux, The Black Parade will always be ready to help us pause and remember that even when the world feels too big, there’s always a little piece of it that’s ours. Isn’t it wild how an album from over a decade ago can still hit home like it was written just yesterday? I’m glad it still has a place, no matter how much the world has changed.

But what really sets MCR’s music apart for me is how it doesn’t buy into the whole “toxic positivity” agenda. You know, those songs that constantly preach about fighting on, staying strong, and never letting anything break you. MCR’s music is different. It’s real. It’s not about putting up a brave face, it’s about acknowledging the tough times, sitting with those big emotions, and letting them pass. And knowing that it’s okay to not be okay. That’s why their music still holds up – it gives you permission to be human. 

With all the empowering songs out there about finding the power to overcome obstacles, it’s just as important to not have to be strong when you’re not ready to be. It’s okay to find things unfair. It’s okay to find things hard. It’s even okay to wallow in self-pity sometimes. And MCR has always echoed that in their songs, accompanying us one step at a time.

New Era, Same Trends

And thank goodness MCR pioneered their unique space in musicality because they’ve left an undeniable imprint on so many artists in today’s music industry! Think Twenty One Pilots or Machine Gun Kelly. Both have sprinkled a bit of that MCR magic and spun it into their songs, creating this bridge between generations. 

That’s one of the best parts of being a younger MCR fan, I feel. Because of them, I’ve discovered a whole new world of artists who share that same raw energy or lyrical depth, it’s made me appreciate MCR all the more, for what they brought to the table. And The Black Parade continues to be a touchstone for the emo revival and modern emo-adjacent music. 

So, in a way, MCR isn’t just a “phase” in my musical journey – ugh, I despise that word – they’ve opened doors to many other sounds, themes, and artists I never would’ve found otherwise. They’ve helped me discover voices that really speak to me. And I’m sure I’ll keep finding new ones, thanks to their influence. That’s their gift that keeps on giving.

What makes all this even better? The sense of community MCR’s music brings. For many “new emo kids”, as they like to call it, their aesthetic has become a huge part of our identity. It’s a way of expressing ourselves, like we’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves – literally. And as I said, alternative subculture is having a major comeback, influencing current fashion trends and championing individuality and self-expression. 

You might’ve seen it already if you’re on fashiontok! The dark clothing; the edgy accessories; the bold makeup. Similar to the fashion elements MCR popularised back in the day, especially with The Black Parade! As someone who didn’t experience the 2000s alternative scene firsthand, I’ve got so much respect for the early MCR fanbase, who played a big role in shaping emo subculture and starting a movement that made it a safe space to reject societal norms and embrace self-expression. I know I’m not alone when I say I idolise the older alternative generation that lived through the 2000s in their prime, to the point of putting them on a pedestal.

The Black Parade was one of my first gateways into learning about My Chemical Romance, alternative subcultures and their aesthetics. It’s not surprising, really; more like a rite of passage. It isn’t just about dark hair, dark clothes and dramatic makeup; it’s about more. The more layers, the more accessories – the more individuality. And it’s liberating, going all in on whatever I feel like wearing! Funnily enough, I used to think I’d be the type to dye my hair a bunch of different colours, but after experimenting with a few, nothing hit like our unspoken emblem – jet black. 

And I must say, I love how Gerard Way – lead singer/co-founder of MCR – has always played with androgyny. His ability to rock skirts, skinny ties, and fitted clothes without being confined by gender norms deserves props – and I found myself leaning into that more and more in my own wardrobe, mixing styles, textures, and just pieces I loved! 

As a whole, MCR’s aesthetic during The Black Parade era was a visual manifestation of their album, and they inspired many fans to adopt the look. I’ve been seeing more people my age channel that energy – like cosplaying Gerard for Halloween! There was even this yellow Gerard Way skirt – yes, a maxi skirt with the top half of his body plastered on it – that gained traction online, which I thought was hilarious – and relatable. I’m serious, where can I get one?

Same Sound, New Fans

All this digital interaction creates a sense of belonging, especially for fans who might feel isolated in their offline lives – or even toxic spaces online, which are rampant now. We all come together under this umbrella of a shared love for the band. It’s not just about the music or the fashion; it’s about finding a place where we can be ourselves and feel seen, heard, and understood. 

Back then, it was MySpace and… I don’t know, to be honest. I probably had a pacifier in my mouth when MySpace was popping. But now, it’s sites like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formally Twitter)! What I do know is that it’s easier than ever to connect with MCR’s discography and other fans, with digital platforms at our fingertips. It’s made falling in love with MCR so easy, actually, contrary to how niche older generations may think it’s become. In fact, I’d say the scrutiny that used to follow the emo, goth, or punk scenes has softened over time. Sure, there’s still some way to go, but more people are open to it now – that’s something!

The beauty of MCR’s music being so accessible now is that it’s introduced an entirely new generation to The Black Parade’s legacy and everything it stands for. And what a blessing it is, that younger fans now have the opportunity to soak up MCR’s larger-than-life energy on the Long Live The Black Parade Tour. It’s a rallying cry for the collective emotional experience – a hallmark of the emo scene. Indeed, The Black Parade’s still marching on!

Now, before I wrap up, I know there’s still some kind of stereotype around the alternative scene, that it reeks of morbid energy, full of doom and gloom. But it’s so much more, and that’s why I’m sharing why it’s close to my heart. The Black Parade has provided solace and fostered many connections with fans around the world to this day, pushing them through tough times. There’s power in that, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to truly understand it.

For fans, old and new, this tour is a full-circle moment, a nostalgic tribute that invites us to wave our flags for My Chemical Romance. Whether you were blasting The Black Parade on your iPod back in 2006 or just stumbled across it through TikTok recently, this chance to experience it live and share it with a whole new generation is special. 

It’s never too late to join the parade, so follow My Chemical Romance’s socials on Instagram, YouTube, and X (formally Twitter). And be sure to keep your eyes peeled and fingers crossed for tour dates closer to home. Until then, I’ll live vicariously through the videos of those lucky enough to score tickets!

Cover Image Courtesy Of My Chemical Romance.