My Chemical Romance launched their latest tour in Seattle with a theatrical and politically charged performance that has divided their fanbase.
During the show, lead singer Gerard Way orchestrated what he called an “experiment” and a “practice of democracy.” As concertgoers entered the venue, they were given signs with “yea” on one side and “nay” on the other. Way then directed the audience’s attention to four masked “candidates” on stage and prompted a vote to determine if they should remain “in office.”
Following the vote, the performance took a dramatic turn. The four candidates were symbolically executed by actors in militant gear, collapsing into clouds of smoke. “Thank you so very much for participating in democracy,” Way told the crowd.
The provocative display, a commentary on modern democracy, sparked immediate debate online. Some attendees expressed shock and disapproval, with one Facebook user calling it “weird demonic s**t.” The stunt reportedly led some concertgoers, who identified as casual listeners stunned by the political nature of the show, to sell their tickets for the remainder of the tour.
In response, devoted fans argued that the band’s music has always been inherently political. They pointed to the group’s formation, which was a direct reaction to Way witnessing the September 11th attacks, as evidence of their long-standing social commentary.
Supporters on X, formerly Twitter, expressed bemusement at the backlash. “The amount of people who went to the first stop for My Chemical Romance complaining that they’ve become woke… Hi, you new here? Have you not listened to The Black Parade album?” one user wrote. Another added, “If you’re shocked of My Chemical Romance doing political stuff, have you EVER listened to Danger Days?”
Both albums are known for their complex, theatrical concepts. The Black Parade, which the band played in its entirety, is a rock opera exploring the story of a dying cancer patient. Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys is set in an apocalyptic California and critiques corporate corruption.
The controversial opening night has left many fans speculating about how this political narrative might evolve throughout the tour, with some suggesting the mock election is the beginning of a larger statement on the illusion of choice in authoritarian systems.
