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REVIEW My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade Is Dead! Posted
on July 23 2008 by the Music News Desk
“The Black Parade Is Dead!” jubilantly declares Gerard Way in the final moments of the latest release from New Jersey’s My Chemical Romance release commemorating the conclusion of a hugely successful experimental period which saw the band release a concept album under the pseudonym ‘The Black Parade’ and sell out shows across the world over in an ambitiously theatrical and elaborate stage production.
The End begins with vocalist being wheeled onto the stage on a hospital gurney with an intravenous drip, ripping off his hospital gown as he launches into the chorus to reveal the full band in identical marching band attire.
Armed with a swag of pyrotechnics, confetti cannons and revolving drum kits, MCR blast their way through a ripping set which consists of the Black Parade album in its entirely and in tracklisting order in keeping with the central storyline based on themes of sickness, life, death and personal reflection.
This CD/DVD set features two full concert performances from the Black Parade Tour including the full scale theatrical experience from Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes (Sports Palace) as well as capturing the intimate setting of a small hometown club gig at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, New Jersey.
I’m sure many diehard fans will share my disappointment that the band chose not to include the full Mexico City performance, with the show ending minus encores (in which the band supposedly return to the stage sans costume to rip out MCR numbers), however consolation is given with the inclusion of the Hoboken gig.
The CD component comprises the full audio of the Mexico City performance. As great as these songs are, MCR don’t stray too far from the studio recordings, so unless you enjoy the listening to the high pitched squeals of Mexican teenage girls, the CD adds little value to the overall package.
Taking away nothing from the performance itself, MCR have justified their reputation as being one of the most entertaining live acts on the circuit.
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“The Black Parade Is Dead!” jubilantly declares Gerard Way in the final moments of the latest release from New Jersey’s My Chemical Romance release commemorating the conclusion of a hugely successful experimental period which saw the band release a concept album under the pseudonym ‘The Black Parade’ and sell out shows across the world over in an ambitiously theatrical and elaborate stage production.
