Unabridged Live Review/ Meet-And-Greet Recap: My Chemical Romance / December 15, 2010 / Chicago, IL

December 15th’s My Chemical Romance show at the House of Blues in Chicago was the first MCR show for which I have ever not lined up at least somewhat early.

I can’t say I enjoy that not-line-waiting sensation because I do so love waiting and meeting people and feeling like I’ve been through a battle to get to the front row of a crowd. Shows become war-zones and one must fight for his or her survival. However, after figuring out that my meet-and-greet with the band would take place as the doors opened for the show made me a long wait could be fruitless.

However, there were many who braved the cold and who eventually got to wait inside for that amazing chance to see MCR up-close, including Paloma Pérez, 20, who flew in from New Mexico just for the show!

The night before, my friend and I had scoped out the venue layout and asked some questions about lining up of the security staff working at the House of Blues. We were surprised to find lone Paloma waiting outside at about 9:30 p.m. (again, that’s the night before the show). Though she and her friend were eventually asked to leave the premises and had to wait in their car, Pérez would have braved the dangerous chill all night and day for the band she loves.

"They have helped me become a better person, I would say." Pérez, for whom it was her very first MCR show after years of loving the band, told me the day of the show. "When people say 'My Chemical Romance saved me--' I've never been in a bad depression or anything like that, but there have been points in my life when I've turned to music when I feel bad or when I feel like, 'No, I can't do it anymore,' and My Chemical Romance has been one of those bands because I see the lives they have lead and it's like, they've had it bad compared to me-- they've made it so big, and I can do it too. And their lyrics and music have really helped me through so much, and it's really, really special to me, and to see them live means so much to me."

I was very happy to see Paloma reach the barricade later that night as I stood near the bar waiting for my meet-and-greet. It was very nice meeting her as well as a few others throughout the day! With hope, I will see more of you when I return for MCR's show at Chicago's Aragon Entertainment Center in April!

______________________

Speaking of that aforementioned but barely explained meet-and-greet...
(I have inserted a heading where the review portion begins if you don't care to read this part)

At 6:45 p.m., my friend and I were to meet MCR's manager outside the venue's box office to prepare for our meet-and-greet. The band's security guard (who deserves a huge, fucking medal for the way he helps kids in the pit) fetched us and took us into the concert hall where we waited for the radio station meet-and-greet winners. We narrowly avoided some extreme confusion that would have meant the radio station's kicking us out and someone having to come get us once again, then lined up behind the radio winners to meet the band.

As we waited, I met a couple people to whom I owe a huge thank-you for giving me the chance to meet the band and for being helpful: First I met a man named Dave from Warner Brothers Records who jokingly asked if I had lined up at 4 a.m. as he had been told my friend and I had previously planned. He was agape when I mentioned to him that there were people in line at 9:30 the night before. Ha-ha! Then I met MCR's lovely manager! She was extremely friendly and helpful, and I was in complete shock that she knew who I was!

My friend and I were the last two people of the group to meet the band. We filtered slowly into the small, white room into which photographers, security, us and the members of My Chemical Romance were crammed. The door opened in a way that completely blocked the MCR guys from sight at first. It was all a swirl of confusion until I stepped in and found myself suddenly extremely face-to-face with Gerard Way. I stepped back, stopped my search and realized I was standing, probably like a deer-in-headlights, before Frank Iero, Ray Toro, Gerard Way and Mikey Way, who were lined up against the wall.

"Guys, this is Cassie," MCR's manager said and they all greeted me with smiles and a "hello" as my friend said, "And I'm Emily, Cassie's guest," which made Frank chuckle.

One-by-one, we shook their hands and they each introduced themselves to us as the photographers behind us took pictures (which I still do not know where to find). I remember most clearly that Frank said "Nice to meet you, Cassie" when he shook my hand. When Mikey shook Emily's hand he told her that he liked her gloves. She said, "Cassie painted them for me. They say--" and Mikey cut her off and finished with a smile, "Jazz Hands."

After we all shook hands, I -- worried I wouldn't have much time to say anything of substance to them -- told them what I had hoped they would hear from someone ever since I re-watched their video interviews for the "Recent MCR Video Interviews" post I made last week:

"I want to say, because I've seen like 7 or 8 interviews now in which the interviewers ask you how it feels to not be making such 'dark and depressing' music anymore, that I have never talked to a single fan who has really listened to your albums and engaged with your music who could not see the hope in it."

The guys all listened very closely. I had never seen them so attentive and I was glad to have gotten the chance to say something like that to them because they all sincerely thanked me for saying it. Mikey even leaned in and quietly thanked me twice.

After that, Gerard gestured beside him and said, "You wanna get in here?," talking about a group picture, and I obeyed by standing beside him. As I was walking toward Gerard, Ray brought up my boots and the rest of the band all said that they, too, had noticed them. Gerard was like, "Yeah. I was scoping those out. They're fucking awesome." I laughed as I stood at his side, both of us looking at my boots, and told him I had finished hand-painting them only two days prior. I believe he then muttered "...fucking awesome" again. Ha-ha!

We got our picture taken and were backing out to leave when Ray asked if he could take a picture of my boots. I awkwardly tried to find a way to stand that would show the two different sides, but opted to just stand like a normal human being so he could take a picture of one of the designs. He complimented them several more times and was so nice that I was nearly blushing. No clue what he's going to do with that picture, but it's awesome to know there's a picture of my calves and feet on Ray Toro's phone!

As Ray took the picture, my friend talked to Frank, telling him that I had worked hard on the boots to which he said, "Obviously!" and then they talked about Ohio weather, apparently. Ha-ha!

The entire exchange was fast, but so pleasant and unbelievable. The MCR guys listened so closely to what my friend and I said and all appeared to be in the best of moods. They were all smiling and looked us in the eye when we spoke to them. Mikey, I noticed, especially was grinning most of the time. I got completely befuddled and forgot to ask him about the legendary time he invaded #MCRchat. I wish I had remembered!

They welcomed us humbly and graciously. The entire time, we exchanged thank-yous. One can genuinely feel that they ARE thankful for the fans.

On the way out of the room, my friend told them to "have fun!" and Frank grinned at her and said, "YOU have fun." -- I think that moment is the perfect summary of the way it felt-- so friendly with a shared sort of caring.

I thanked their manager again on the way out as their security guard lead me and Emily onto the floor. It was almost time for the first opening band by then, and -- surprisingly -- there was the tiniest gap of barricade space left on Frank's side. My friend eased her way onto it gradually through the first two opening bands and so did I! We were shocked that no one else had stood there!



______________________

The Show Review!
(Bolded for easy skipping-ahead purposes!)


After having just met the band and with the growing anticipation to see them perform again for the first time in years, I felt my entire body start to go numb when the lights dimmed in the moments before MCR took the stage. I don't think any hassle, no matter how big, could have made me stop smiling as I yelled along to their introductory recording of Dr. Death Defying's "Look Alive, Sunshine" speech before the lights came up and the band revealed itself in an energetic mass ready to explode as it doused the audience in the pure awesome that is "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)."

The crowd surged and swirled with breakneck force to the song. Even in my little corner of the crowd where it was more sparse, I felt the wind leave my lungs in a violent burst, not only from screaming along, but from the crushing might of hundreds of fans showing their appreciation for the band they love.

The energy did not let up as the band proceeded into "Thank You For The Venom." Nostalgia raygun-blasted me straight in the face as I watched them perform the song I had come close to seriously injuring myself during from pure loving exertion in the seats of Dayton's Hara Arena for 2005's Taste of Chaos-- my very first concert.

It dawned on me in that moment that the band's newly charged-up energy is more reminiscent of those old shows than it has been in years. However, that is not to be said that they have regressed-- they have definitely improved. And their energy, if anything, has only taken what it once was and cloned itself tenfold to turn their performances into a huge monster on the prowl.

A benign, monster, that is-- with a mouthpiece who encourages fans' helping one another back up during crowd collapses, welcomes first time show-goers kindly and unabashedly praises his band. A kind, violent machine whose inner-controllers make their way across the stage just to hug one another and to smile and grin while speaking encouraging words.

There was such a brotherly and supportive feeling radiating from MCR when its members would look at one another and smile. Ray crossed the stage and spoke to Mikey and Frank and gave them both hugs. While Gerard was onstage with only James Dewees playing keyboard for "Cancer," I could see Ray watching from the side then applauding proudly at the end of the song. The visible friendship, encouragement and happiness to be playing was heartwarming. Often, bands will perform without members glancing even briefly at any of the others. It's never been that way with MCR, and their connection seemed stronger than ever at last night's show.

The House of Blues in Chicago literally shook under the excited weight of the crowd (especially during our synchronized "Planetary (GO!)" jumping). Even during the slower songs of the band's set, there was still crowd motion, and definitely raised voices singing along at full volume. We also marveled, listened and laughed between songs at things like Gerard's use of animal sounds when he howled before "House of Wolves" or made crow sounds ("CACKAW! CACKAW!") before "Mama."

I grinned proudly and happily for the band through most of the set, still amazed that I was finally seeing them again. I even found myself choking up somewhat during "The Only Hope for Me Is You," "SING," "Welcome To The Black Parade," their newly-arranged version of "The Ghost of You" and "Helena" because I was so moved by their performance and the countless lines of their songs that have spoken so loudly and clearly to me for years and at so many different stages in my life.


SET SPOILER WARNING
Many were surprised to hear the band play their Bob Dylan cover, "Desolation Row" mid-set, and I think everyone was amazed when the band closed with "The Kids From Yesterday" then came back out to perform "Vampire Money" as an encore! I know I was certainly surprised by the ending! It was perfect. The perfect ending to Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys just so happens to be the perfect ending of a live MCR show!


I do not remember their set in order. However, they played the following songs that I can remember:

“Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)”
”Thank You For The Venom”
”Planetary (GO)!”
”SING”
”Welcome To The Black Parade”
”House Of Wolves”
”The Ghost Of You”
”Mama”
”Desolation Row”
“The Only Hope for Me is You”
”Teenagers”
”I’m Not Okay (I Promise)”
”Helena”
"Cancer"
”The Kids From Yesterday”

-ENCORE-
”Vampire Money”



XoXo
c.

If I remember any other details, I will post them later!


More from the show:
Photos from the show from Time Out Chicago | Photo from nuinavariel on deviantArt in which you can see me [bottom left] | Q101 Meet-And-Greet Photos!

Comments

Brandi said…
Awesome! I so hope I get to hear Vampire Money in atlanta! bah!!!
Tanya Rae said…
Bravo Cassie, well written and you capture what we know is the hope, energy, and life that is experienced through My Chemical Romance.

Thank you for your review and your blog. You described the show, the band, the atmosphere, and us, the fans, exactly how it is, was, and will always be, EPIC!
hilariousity said…
Your review nearly left me in tears. The way you described the show and especially when you met the boys just touched me so much. You deserve this so much and I'm so happy this got to happen for such a great person. Thank you. <3
P.S. Your boots are fuckin' AWESOME!
What an amazing review ! I was smiling the whole time, especially when I read the reaction to the famous boots ! It must have been priceless.
Also the setlist is kinda neat. I'm gonna see them for the very first time in March and I hope we get something similar. But then again, I think that seeing them with my own eyes is going to be enough to make me happy, so..
Anyway, thanks for this review, I enjoyed it quite a lot :)
Anonymous said…
Hi Cassie,
Your review is wonderful, you write so well, I was happy all along :). This is so lucky of you to meet the guys again! Please don’t stay in post-concert pain for too long. Because the way you describe your feelings of the concert was great so you could tell you had much much fun! Somehow, I felt you were the right person to meet the band, because what you said is so true, I totally agree with what you said to them, and Im sure no one else could have said this better. Thank you for sharing :D
MissBiocyanic
Anonymous said…
At the start of vampire did they do the whole "Are you ready...?" thing??
Anonymous said…
did everyone get to meet them or was it only radio show winners?
you're so lucky!
oh and do you think they'll play "vampire money" at an all ages show... i doubt it :(
Maaaaaaaaandy said…
Wowowwowowowow.. YOu girl are really luckyyy!!! they were so cool with you.. and the show.. OMG.. I wish I was you in that moment.. xd

They have a photo from your boot? it is awesome.. Gerard was right.. fucking awesome is the best way to describe them.. xd
I like very much your reviews.. :D

Keep doing them everytime you go to a concert!!!
Brandi-

I hope you do too! It really was just the most perfect way to end the show!

___

Tanya-

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! It was wonderful meeting you at the show! I hope we will meet again some day!

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hilariousity-

:'} Thank you so much!! I'm so glad it touched you!

___

Crooked-Chronicles-

Thank you so much for reading! Your first show is going to blow your mind. Trust me!

___

MissBiocyanic-

Thank you for reading! I was glad to share, and definitely glad I got a chance to say what I did to the band. They really seemed to appreciate it, and I'm glad to see fellow fans appreciating the fact that I said it. I knew I would be speaking for so many of us when I did.

___

Vampire Money Anon-

YES! They went through the intro! Gerard creeped over to Mikey and let him use his mic to say his bit, and Frank kind of mumbled, "Raahblahblahblah" at his. HAHAHA!

___

Anonymous-

There were radio station contest winners then my friend and I. Why wouldn't they play it? If they liked the way it went this round, I'm sure it will become a show staple! :]

___
MaNdYMCR88-

Thank you so much! Yes, Ray has a picture of my boots on his phone. It was funny when he asked to take the picture, Gerard was like "Yeah!" -- I wonder what will become of that picture? Hmm... They seem to be taking pictures of a lot of things the fans make these days.

Thank you so much! I definitely will keep writing reviews. :]
___
Unknown said…
You are really lucky!
I have hope, if they ever will be in Poland, they'll do contest Meet-And-Greet again.
Unknown said…
Awesome review! The boots are very cool. I will be meeting them on saturday (which is my birthday!) and I am sooo excited, although a little nervous. Did a photographer take the picture of you guys or was it from your camera???
There were photographers from the Radio station that sponsored the show there taking pictures. :]
Anonymous said…
Your boots are fucking awesome! i am sooo very jealous :)
Well done CASSIE <3<3

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