My Chemical Romance - Canada Center, 11th May 2007

Setlist
The End
Dead
This Is How I Disappear
The Sharpest Lives
Welcome To The Black Parade
I Don't Love You
House Of Wolves
Cancer
Mama
Sleep
Teenagers
Disenchanted
Famous Last Words
I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
Cemetery Drive
It’s Not A Fashion Statement It’s A Deathwish
Give ‘em Hell Kid
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison
Ghost Of You
Helena


May 11th dawned wonderfully warm and heady with anticipation. My arrival to the Air Canada Center (the venue of choice) was by no-means late, but the queue was already at least 90-strong. Inquiries led to the discovery that some brave souls had even managed to camp overnight in order to grab the most envied position of first to dash to the barricade. The doors were set to open around 6:30/6:45 and the staff at the ACC did not disappoint and in a moderated sort of trickle, fans and keeners of all shapes, sizes and ages were granted access to the floor.
I suppose it would be easy to assume that, naturally enough, the predominant color of choice was black – and while this is true, it was a wonderful pleasure to see, not only a parade of My Chem t-shirts and hoodies, but the creativity of the fans expressed through their clothing. For the most part, the youths that have been labeled with terms such as “emo” and “outsiders” or even “miscreants” by the more serious forms of media, are a very warm and friendly bunch. They look out for each other and are not-so-surprisingly easy to talk to. Some journalists may even be surprised by the depth of the knowledge these “kids” possess.
Opening tonight’s show was a band called The Bled, a hardcore act hailing from Tuscan, Arizona. While I always attempt to keep an open mind (and ear) regarding all music that is brought to my attention, it was very difficult to find any sort of redeeming quality in this band. The front-man was vastly energetic and entertaining, but all that was reduced completely by the overall messiness and repetitiveness of their songs. Perhaps The Bled simply needs to take some time to expand their musical range and focus – I will make not judgment call on them.

My Chemical Romance were met with a roar of approval that resonated deep within the chests of all the spectators. Gerard Way’s dramatic gurney entrance caused a wave of pushing that eventually settled into friendly rocking-out. Their set naturally included the Black Parade in its entirety – played in sequence and offset by cannon blasts, confetti, fire and sparklers, all set to raise excitement and awe in the fans. And they worked. The band’s performance was flawless and highly interactive. Gerard’s vocals, which are sometimes known to be shaky, were wonderfully in-tune with not a hint of strain present.
The leader of the Black Parade encouraged the audience to sing and dance and move, and captivated – they followed. Sticking to the idea that The Black Parade and My Chemical Romance are two separate bands, fans were provided with a brief intermission during which Blood was played over the arena sound-system. And while My Chemical Romance and The Black Parade are worlds apart, this set of older songs was equally as thrilling and as breathtaking as the last.

While it can very easily be said that Gerard’s bombastic stagesmanship dominated the entirety of the show, it must be remembered that there are four other extremely talented musicians that make of the rest of My Chemical Romance. Bob Bryar’s rotating drum kit adds a spark of glamour to his already highly-watchable drumming style, and rhythm guitarist Frank Iero provides a steady stream of highly energetic and vastly entertaining antics. His smile and electric energy captured all who watched him throw himself and his guitar around the stage. Slight disappointment could be felt at the fact that bassist Mikey Way was absent – and will continue to be so until July – but his temporary replacement, guitar tech Matt Cortez, has been pulling off the sets perfectly.
Guitarist Ray Toro was one to watch carefully. A rocker to the very core, his fingers flew with blinding speed over the strings and frets and his solos were not only flawless, but were met with screaming applause upon each completion.

All-in-all the show was a wonderful success. Fans left buzzing with satisfaction and running on a high that only a successful concert can provide. Those that call My Chemical Romance dangerous have obviously never been to one of their shows. They have obviously never head Gerard encourage the show-goers to seek help of their problems (be it depression or otherwise) and they have obviously never felt the surge of unity and safety provided by the band on-stage.


Review by Einat Brigler


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