Confession: I'm not the world's foremost fan of My Chemical Romance. But I accompanied one of them to the Barclay's Center to see their Saturday, September 10th concert. It was a lot of fun for me, but I know that it wasn't the adrenaline rush it was for most of the audience, including Michelle.

Michelle has been a fan since she was in middle school, and I didn't even realize it at first. I have known for some years that they were one of her favorite bands, and she had gotten a ticket to see them at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. But that show in 2020 was postponed due to the Covid pandemic, and in the meantime, the band had announced more shows, including two in Brooklyn. She got us tix to see them in our hometown.

The band has been very popular but broke up for a few years. Members had side projects, some non-musical (comic book writing, etc.) So, this tour attracted many fans who had been aching to see them live but hadn't had a chance in years past. Thus, it was cathartic for them.

I was among the older concert attendees, and a large percentage of the fans wore MCR shirts or all-black clothing and almost seemed to cosplay with specialized clothes and makeup, accessories, and hairdos. I was pleased to see that the crowd was quite diverse; MCR fans are White, Black, Latino, and Asian, male and female. 

I couldn't sing along with all the songs (I don't know them all!) but did know several of their best-known songs, such as "Teenagers," "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" and of course, their hit signature song "Welcome to the Black Parade." In fact, that song always makes me tear up; it's a very moving song, kind of morose in the beginning but picks up steam. They also played new songs, including the chestnut "Happy Birthday" to member Mikey.

Mikey and his brother Gerard Wey, along with Frank Iero and Ray Toro, are part of a New Jersey band that was begun on September 12, 2001, the day after the horrifying 9/11 attacks. So, it was especially touching to see them on September 10th, the day before the 21st anniversary of the awful day.  

I did enjoy the show very much (and appreciate attending a show at a venue that is a short subway train trip from my home!), but part of the fun for me was watching my daughter's reactions. She sang along to nearly every song with fervor. She was so greatly into the show and afterward told me it was one of the best shows she had ever seen. It was such a meaningful event for her. It wasn't for me, but her emotional involvement did rub off on me.

It's interesting to go to a concert and see how it greatly impacts someone else. It's another way to appreciate a show, a band, and fandom in general.