A Tribute to My Chemical Romance - the best damn band for me thus far

The first song I heard by My Chemical Romance was 'Helena', a song written for Gerard's deceased grandmother. It played frequently on radio and TV. While the melody was nice, the video interesting and  the lead singer pretty cute at that time, I did not pay anymore attention to MCR.

Then I was 15, and 'Welcome to the Black Parade' came on the radio. With its piano introduction, raw vocals and marching band sounding undertone, my interest was piqued. I went on to watch the music video repeatedly and then to buy their album 'the Black Parade'.

On the way home I played the CD in the car -not the best idea when my mum was driving, she called it the usual, 'garbage', 'noise'- and skimmed the lyrics and photographs. People in black, white, red, pale faced and morbid feeling was the theme.

At 12 I wore black baggy clothes and even baggier pants which my mother loathed,  while listening to Avril Lavigne and Linkin Park as was what was 'acceptable' then among my peers. They grew out of it in middle school and I felt pressured to do the same. I traded the black for brighter hues but secretly wished I could go back to it.

As I started listening to 'the Black Parade', watched their videos, paid attention to the lyrics, I learned that MCR was embracing the idea of death, mostly by cancer like it was a mystical, romantic thing. My mum threw out the lyrics that came along with the album for fear that I would be too much influenced by their 'bad vibe' and follow the footsteps of the girl from London who committed suicide after listening to MCR for a fortnight or so.

I brushed off that ridiculous piece of news while continuing to find peace in MCR's music while hundreds of the MCRmy took to the streets in a protest declaring that MCR's music was not a bad influence on children, at least not to the extent of causing them to kill themselves -it was the girl's mental state that led to such severe and unpredictable consequences.

I think I can attest to that. I never once in my life had any remotely suicidal thoughts. In fact, by dwelling so deep into just their music, I improved my piano playing skills to accompany my singing their songs. I went back to wearing black as I was comfortable in it, I was still a pretty cheerful person and most of all, because MCR considered themselves outcasts (awesome ones, all the same), I felt comfortable with who I was and peer pressure had nothing on me since then.

I attended their concert here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the end of 2009. 3rd December, my first ever rock concert. My two younger cousins came along, and we were chaperoned by my parents. They'd rather have their eardrums burst than have us go to a possible mosh pit on our own.

In the end, my parents had an amazing time and were yelling 'encore' at the end. The embarrassment I felt was overwhelmed by the fact that they could see why MCR was so important to my cousins and I.

After the concert, my craze for Gerard Way grew as did my cousin's for Mikey. We learnt a lot about the band's history thanks to suggested videos after suggested videos by YouTube.

We proceeded to buy 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge', 'The Black Parade is Dead' and 'Danger Days'. ' I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love' was not and is not available in music stores here so I listened to that online. Will get 'Conventional Weapons' as soon as I can.

When I heard of the band breaking up yesterday I felt my heart drop. I frantically searched the internet for news swatting this rumour away but alas, I was in for disappointment. As I rushed to my sister to say the words, 'MCR is breaking up', I felt my eyes well up with tears.

None fell, but the thought of me never getting to hear music uniquely theirs anymore tugged at my heart. I still harbour hopes that they'll be back together one day and I'll be jumping and squealing when I get the news.

Until then, here's what I have to say:

MCR, you've provided the most influential music in my life that helped me feel comfortable in the skin of that awkward person I was in high school.

Many of my friends shunned your music because it was 'emo', 'bad for the soul' or 'not popular'. I'm sorry they did not get to feel the brilliance you weaved into your songs.

Gee, you're a funny guy who's the center of attention on and off stage. I wish you well with your young family <3

Mikey, you awkwardly hot bassist, keep rocking on with those small nods you do when you play. Please don't ever fall down on stage again.

Frank, keep being that hot crazy guitarist spinnin' round on stage and looking badass.

Ray, you're the epitome of cool + talent when you're there harmonizing for Gerard and your fingers blazing up and down those frets. Rock on.

Bob, you were missed in Danger Days, but you're that cool underdog behind the drums.

Forever your Killjoy and in your MCRmy <3