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Long Live The Black Parade

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Long Live The Black Parade
Tour by My Chemical Romance
Promotional poster for the North American leg
Location
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
Associated albumThe Black Parade
Start dateJuly 11, 2025 (2025-07-11)
Legs1
No. of shows15
My Chemical Romance concert chronology
  • Reunion Tour
    (2019–2023)
  • Long Live The Black Parade
    (2025–2026)
  • ...

Long Live The Black Parade[a] is a concert tour by the American rock band My Chemical Romance in celebration of their third studio album, The Black Parade (2006). An all-stadium tour, it began on July 11, 2025, in Seattle, with the last scheduled date on July 11, 2026, in London. During the tour, the band plays The Black Parade in its entirety.

The tour was first announced in November 2024, after the band's performance of The Black Parade in its entirety at When We Were Young, marking the album's first full live performance since 2007. The tour was initially announced with ten shows in North America, with an additional Los Angeles date, Mexico City dates and London dates being added later.

Background and history

[edit]

My Chemical Romance released their third studio album, The Black Parade, in 2006.[2] It was supported by The Black Parade World Tour, which began on February 22, 2007,[3] where the band would play the album in its entirety[4] as the "Black Parade", an alter-ego band that the album was named after.[5] They played as the Black Parade alter-ego until October 7, 2007, when the alter-ego was killed off.[6] On October 19 and 20, 2024, My Chemical Romance headlined the When We Were Young festival, where they performed The Black Parade in its entirety for the first time since 2007.[2]

My Chemical Romance announced Long Live The Black Parade on November 12, 2024. Initially, ten shows across North America were announced, spanning across 2025,[2][7] with most of the shows taking place at Major League Baseball stadiums.[7] Most dates on the tour have a unique opening act (e.g. Evanescence, 100 gecs).[8][9] Due to high demand, the band had to schedule a second date in Los Angeles after tickets went on sale.[10]

In May 2025, the band announced a show in Mexico City on February 13, 2026, officially advertised as "The Black Parade – Alive!".[11] A second show in Mexico City taking place on February 14 was announced a few days later.[12] In August, the band announced two shows at Wembley Stadium in London for July 10 and July 11, 2026.[13]

Promotion and ticket sales

[edit]

To promote the tour, My Chemical Romance released a series of teasers and trailers with cryptic meanings, sparking fan debate and speculation.[14][15] On the day before the initial announcement of the tour in November, the band posted a teaser image on their Instagram page, depicting the skyline of a white city with pieces of confetti floating around, with the letters KCR arranged in a new logo.[16] The post had the caption "If you could be anything, what would you be?".[2] Several fans speculated that the announcement was for The Paper Kingdom, the band's planned fifth studio album that was scrapped before their initial break up in 2013.[17]

When the tour was announced, the band released a trailer[18][19][20] which features a dictator walking out onto a balcony to a cheering crowd in a white-colored dystopian city.[9][20][21] The description of the trailer references the time that had passed since the last appearance of the Black Parade alter-ego, and made numerous references to a fictional dictatorship known as Draag.[9][19] The announcement trailer for the Mexico City show made similar references, while also retconning the death of the Black Parade.[11] Other teasers related to the tour that have been released includes ones simply titled "Opera" and "Good Boy".[15]

Tickets for the initial ten North American dates went on sale on November 15, 2024.[22][9] Within a few hours, all tickets to each show had sold out, with 365,000 tickets sold in total.[10] The prices of tickets sold for the concerts were noted by fans online as being exceptionally high, with some seats having starting prices of over US$700.[10][23] It was widely speculated that the band had opted into Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing feature, which scales the prices of tickets based on their demand.[10][23][24] Prices were further accelerated by bot accounts, which were used to automatically purchase tickets and resell them at artificially inflated prices.[25] Some fans criticized the band directly for their handling of ticket sales and alleged use of dynamic pricing, while others debated whether the band willingly opted into the practice, if they were forced into it by Ticketmaster, or if the practice was in use at all.[23][25]

Production and concert synopsis

[edit]

For Long Live The Black Parade shows, the band performs two different sets, with the first set featuring the band dressed up as the Black Parade alter-ego, performing The Black Parade in its entirety. Their outfits are updated versions of their original Black Parade uniforms.[26] The Black Parade set features a theatrical styled production, with the band fully placing themselves into the role of the Black Parade.[27] Additional parts of the show include a mock election, where the audience is handed cards that allow them to vote on whether or not to execute four people.[27][28] In addition to the band's main line-up, the tour features several additional musicians, including drummer Jarrod Alexander, keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac,[27] and violinist Kayleigh Goldsworthy (who joins the band on "Cancer" and "Mama", specifically).[29] In-between the two sets, cellist Clarice Jensen plays an instrumental titled "From A to B".[30] For the B-stage, the band plays an assortment of songs from the rest of their discography.[31]

Draag

[edit]
"Draag" redirects here. For the fictional alien civilization, see Oms en série and Fantastic Planet.
"Over Fields" redirects here. For other uses, see Overfield.

The production for Long Live The Black Parade is centered around the fictional country of Draag. The country is a dictatorship, which is ruled by who is only referred to as the "Great Immortal Dictator".[32] Throughout the tour, several ministries of the country have either been referenced or made appearances, including the "Ministry of Menial Tasks", the "Ministry of Complimentary Reconditioning", and the "Ministry of Operatic Relations". The second of which has only been referenced in print set lists that were given out to fans.[32] Shows of the tour have opened with Draag's national anthem, "Over Fields", which the band later uploaded onto social media.[33] In the description of the trailer which announced the tour, it states that the Black Parade alter-ego had its work privilege reinstated to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of the regime. The Black Parade's ceremonial title is "His Grand Immortal Dictator's National Band",[9][19] and the performance of the alter-ego is solely to appease the dictator. The production is intended to be a parody of political authoritarianism.[27]

For the tour, the band's vocalist Gerard Way commissioned typographer Nate Piekos to design a language for the tour, to serve as the language for Draag as well as be used on merchandise. The language is known as Keposhka. It contains more letters than the standard English alphabet, while certain letter combinations will lead to the creation of unique symbols. The language features more of these symbols than standard letters.[32]

Song adjustments and live debuts

[edit]

For the main Black Parade set, My Chemical Romance made adjustments to numerous songs.[26][29] "Mama" received updated lyrics and an extension known as the "Dagger" section. Several songs received extended introductions and outros, including "Sleep".[29] A reprise version of "The End." was also added, which features an extended outro.[26]

During the B-stage set of the band's performance in San Francisco on July 19, they premiered a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins song "Bullet with Butterfly Wings".[34] They later premiered a cover of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" on August 9 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.[35] In their first night at Los Angeles on July 26, they played a song from The Paper Kingdom, titled "War Beneath the Rain". The song was dedicated to the family of their past producer Doug McKean, who were attending the show.[30]

Sample set list

[edit]

The following set list was performed at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on July 11, 2025. It is not meant to represent the majority of shows throughout the tour.[26][36][37]

The Black Parade

  1. "The End."
  2. "Dead!"
  3. "This Is How I Disappear"
  4. "The Sharpest Lives"
  5. "Welcome to the Black Parade"
  6. "I Don't Love You"
  7. "House of Wolves"
  8. "Cancer"
  9. "Mama"
  10. "Sleep"
  11. "Teenagers"
  12. "Disenchanted"
  13. "Famous Last Words"
  14. "The End." (Reprise)

Intermission

  2. "Blood"
  3. Instrumental by Clarice Jensen

Encore

  2. "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"
  3. "Our Lady of Sorrows"
  4. "The Ghost of You"
  5. "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)"
  6. "Give 'Em Hell, Kid"
  7. "Planetary (Go!)"
  8. "Heaven Help Us"
  9. "Bury Me in Black"
  10. "Vampires Will Never Hurt You"
  11. "Helena"

Tour dates

[edit]
List of 2025 shows[38][39][40]
Date City Country Venue Opening act(s)
July 11 Seattle United States T-Mobile Park Violent Femmes
July 19 San Francisco Oracle Park 100 gecs
July 26 Los Angeles Dodger Stadium Wallows
July 27
August 2 Arlington Globe Life Field Garbage
August 9 East Rutherford MetLife Stadium Death Cab for Cutie
Thursday
August 15 Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park Alice Cooper
August 22 Toronto Canada Rogers Centre Pixies
August 29 Chicago United States Soldier Field Devo
September 7 Boston Fenway Park Idles
September 13 Tampa Raymond James Stadium Evanescence
List of 2026 shows[38][11][13]
Date City Country Venue Opening act(s)
February 13 Mexico City Mexico Estadio GNP Seguros The Hives
February 14
July 10 London England Wembley Stadium —
July 11

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Originally titled as Long Live: The Black Parade North American Tour[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ ""Long Live": The Black Parade North American Tour". My Chemical Romance Official Website. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Georgi, Maya (November 12, 2024). "My Chemical Romance Revive 'The Black Parade' for 2025 Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Punknews.org (December 18, 2006). "Tours: My Chemical Romance / Rise Against". www.punknews.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  4. ^ REVIEWER, Scott McLennan Telegram & Gazette. "My Chemical Romance parades into DCU Center". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  5. ^ Thompson, Ed (March 21, 2007). "My Chemical Romance Bring Ostentatious Behavior To The Masses". IGN. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
  6. ^ Phares, Heather. "The Black Parade Is Dead!". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
  7. ^ a b "My Chemical Romance to perform The Black Parade on 2025 stadium tour". Consequence. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  8. ^ "My Chemical Romance returns with 'The Black Parade' tour". AP News. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e Galiher, Stephen Andrew (November 13, 2024). "My Chemical Romance Are Reviving 'The Black Parade' for 2025 Tour". VICE. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d Duran, Anagricel (November 19, 2024). "My Chemical Romance 2025 North American stadium tour sells out in hours, with 365,000 tickets sold". NME. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Singh, Surej (May 20, 2025). "My Chemical Romance announce 2026 'The Black Parade – Alive!' Mexico show". NME. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  12. ^ My Chemical Romance (May 24, 2025). "Tickets now available for Estadio GNP Night 2 (Saturday, February 14, 2026)". Instagram. Retrieved May 24, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Jones, Damian (August 11, 2025). "My Chemical Romance announce two huge shows at London's Wembley Stadium in 2026". NME. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  14. ^ Rendor, Alisa (June 23, 2025). "Get Ready for the My Chemical Romance Tour With the Best Band Merch". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
  15. ^ a b Burton, Poppy (November 15, 2024). "Fans think My Chemical Romance's latest teasers go beyond 'The Black Parade' tour". NME. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  16. ^ "My Chemical Romance Tease Mysterious Graphic, Fans Speculate Release Of Scrapped Final Album 'The Paper Kingdom'". Stereogum. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  17. ^ Singh, Surej (November 12, 2024). "My Chemical Romance share cryptic post: "If you could be anything, what would you be?"". NME. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  18. ^ Adams, Gregory (November 12, 2024). "MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE announce 'Black Parade' tour with EVANESCENCE, ALICE COOPER and more". Revolver.
  19. ^ a b c Brannigan, Paul (November 12, 2024). "My Chemical Romance announce stadium tour to play their classic album The Black Parade in full, with Alice Cooper, Devo, Evanescence, Pixies among special guests". louder. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Robinson, KiMi. "My Chemical Romance will perform 'The Black Parade' in full during 2025 tour: See dates". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  21. ^ My Chemical Romance (November 12, 2024). My Chemical Romance - "Long Live": The Black Parade North American Tour. Retrieved November 13, 2024 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (November 12, 2024). "My Chemical Romance Announces 'The Black Parade' 2025 Tour With Openers Death Cab for Cutie, Pixies and More". Variety. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c Schaffner, Lauryn (November 19, 2024). "My Chemical Romance 2025 Tour Sold Out + Fans Are Pissed at Band". Loudwire. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  24. ^ Rivers, Harley (November 20, 2024). "My Chemical Romance Sells Out 2025 Tour in Hours, but Ticket Prices Spark Outrage". Blunt Magazine. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  25. ^ a b Wilkes, Emma (November 16, 2024). "Fans aren't happy about My Chemical Romance's ticket prices: "$695 is NASTY WORK"". NME. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  26. ^ a b c d Rolli, Bryan (July 12, 2025). "Watch My Chemical Romance's Historic, Theatrical 2025 Tour Kickoff". Loudwire. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  27. ^ a b c d "Review: Why My Chemical Romance is bigger than it's ever been". Los Angeles Times. July 27, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  28. ^ Rolli, Bryan (July 15, 2025). "My Chemical Romance's 'Weird Demonic' Stage Show Draws Strong Reaction From Fans". Loudwire. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  29. ^ a b c "My Chemical Romance Launch "The Black Parade" Tour with Theatrical 25-Song Set". Consequence. July 12, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  30. ^ a b Garner, Emily (July 27, 2025). "See My Chemical Romance perform an unreleased song, War Beneath The Rain, live in LA". Kerrang!. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  31. ^ "My Chemical Romance travel back to The Black Parade". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  32. ^ a b c Carroll, Rob (July 22, 2025). "Everything You Need to Know About My Chemical Romance's Fictional World, Draag". Loudwire. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  33. ^ "My Chemical Romance have shared the national anthem from their tour". Kerrang!. July 21, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  34. ^ Ragusa, Paolo (July 21, 2025). "My Chemical Romance Cover Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"". Consequence. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  35. ^ Singh, Surej (August 11, 2025). "Watch My Chemical Romance cover Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On A Prayer' in New Jersey". NME. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  36. ^ Burton, Poppy (July 12, 2025). "Watch My Chemical Romance kick off 'Long Live The Black Parade' tour and play classic album in full". NME. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  37. ^ Garner, Emily (July 12, 2025). "MCR: Here's the setlist from The Black Parade stadium tour". Kerrang!. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  38. ^ a b "My Chemical Romance | Official Website". My Chemical Romance Official Website. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  39. ^ Duran, Anagricel (November 12, 2024). "My Chemical Romance announce Long Live The Black Parade 2025 North American stadium tour". NME. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  40. ^ Punknews.org (November 12, 2024). "Tours: My Chemical Romance announce 'Long Live The Black Parade' North American tour". www.punknews.org. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
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