Iconic rock band My Chemical Romance brought their “Long Live the Black Parade” tour to Fenway Park on Sept. 7, transforming the home of the Boston Red Sox into more of a theatrical play than a concert. As a fan for nearly half of my life (10 years to be exact), I jumped at the opportunity to see them right in Boston University’s backyard.
The atmosphere walking into the venue set the tone. Tables were stacked with signs that read “Yea” and “Nay,” printed in both English and Keposhka, the band’s fictional language. The stage screens flashed a rotating set of bizarre “rules” — “Fun having is mandatory; Mandatory fun is healthy for the mind; Please do not throw hair” — interspersed with images of censored faces that evoked a dystopian atmosphere. Before the music even started, it was clear that the show would be anything but typical.
The concert began with a military drummer entering the stage, followed by a grand welcome to a dictator-like character. Finally, the band took the stage in matching military-esque uniforms and kicked off the show with “The End” from the Welcome to The Black Parade album. They unfolded a storyline of authoritarian control, resistance, and rebellion.
At one point, the band prompted the crowd to raise their “Yea” or “Nay” signs to determine if one of the military men should be executed (though, in true authoritarian fashion, the band chose what they wanted regardless of the result). The act culminated with lead singer Gerard Way’s “execution,” followed by him being used by a clown as a puppet to sing the song “Blood.” When the song concluded, the clown exploded and the lights cut to black, giving the first act an unsettling finish.
Cellist Clarice Jensen took the stage for approximately five minutes as an intermission from the chaos the crowd had just witnessed. Following the break, the band reappeared in casual clothes on a smaller B-stage. The second half felt more casual and intimate, with the band pausing between songs to engage with the audience. This smaller set emphasized the band’s love for their craft, playing both deep cuts and fan favorites. They concluded the show with “Vampires Will Never Hurt You,” which left the crowd begging for an encore (which we did not get).
From the first song to the last, the crowd’s energy at Fenway Park was palpable. I’ve been to more than 30 concerts, yet this one had arguably the loudest crowd I’d ever heard. Fans belted out every lyric while simultaneously jumping and dancing. The band sounded incredible live — better, I’d argue, than in the studio. This experience was extremely special to me, and no matter how many concerts I see in the future, the Black Parade will live on.
While the “Long Live the Black Parade” tour has concluded for 2025, the band has announced dates for 2026, including performances in South America, Asia, and Europe. The next time My Chemical Romance comes to town, don’t miss the opportunity to check them out. The performance also marked the conclusion of the 2025 Fenway Park Concert Series that included artists like Shakira, Hozier, and the Jonas Brothers, among others.
Click here for a comprehensive list of upcoming concerts in and around Boston.
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