My Chemical Romance Rocking Out at the Roxy

For those of you who didn't get the memo, My Chemical Romance and KROQ put on a special show for loyal fans, street teamers, and a few other folk at the Roxy tonight.  And while most of MCR's shows tend to be in large arenas, tonight's exclusive show was just big enough to fill the small club.  

Tonight's show was not only a fan appreciation show, but it was also to help the band get ready for their shows in Japan.  However, Gerard looked us straight in the eye and said, "We don't play practice shows."

And boy, was he right.  

If you've never been to the Roxy, it's an intimate club with a fairly small stage.  So for a 5 piece like MCR, who is used to playing the large arenas, this was quite a change of pace but it didn't seem to throw them for an instant. 

The crowd was lively and Gerard drew the people to him like a magnet.  He's an amazing performer, whose passion for performing is obvious.  His eyes cut through the crowd, seeing everyone.  I swear, it seemed like he literally saw everyone.

And yet the performance element wasn't overdone.  The show wasn't too theatrical but it was also never boring.  It hit a perfect balance.

As did MCR's attitude.  While between songs Gerard did most of the talking, saying things like, "What fairy cupcake crap have you been listening to since we've been gone," it never came off as too cocky.  Gerard and the rest of the guys hit a delicate balance of cockiness without it coming off as toolish.  Instead of feeling like THEY were treating US to a show, they made the audience feel as though we were a part of what they were doing.  It really felt like we were sharing a special moment as equals.  

(also, for those of you who can't read Japanese, his shirt says "Mikey f-king Way")

MCR played for over an hour before a three-song encore.  And we were even treated to some new music.  Although it's impossible to tell from the video I took of the new song, it seems like MCR was listening to a little less Queen and a little more White Stripes.  The new song has a distinct garage-rock sound and was quite the departure from anything off of The Black Parade.  It's hard to tell how receptive the audience was towards it, because everyone seemed either very stunned or very attentive.  

Also be sure to check out Bree's MCR @ the Roxy pics!