My Chemical Romance Salute Their Jersey Roots With Epic Bon Jovi Cover
via My Chemical Romance / youtube
My Chemical Romance closed out their sold-out hometown concert on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a special tribute to fellow New Jersey rock legends Bon Jovi. As a surprise during their encore, the band performed an energetic cover of Bon Jovi’s iconic anthem, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Currently on their Long Live the Black Parade tour, My Chemical Romance has been performing their 2006 concept album The Black Parade in its entirety at each show. After the main theatrical performance, the band moves to a smaller B-stage in the center of the stadium to deliver a secondary set that changes nightly—featuring both fan favorites and rare deep cuts. Saturday night’s performance of “Livin’ on a Prayer” was part of that rotating set.
Lead vocalist Gerard Way introduced the cover with a heartfelt message to the crowd. He said:
“I’m proud to be from New Jersey.
“Being from the east coast of Jersey, I learned how to survive… You need Jersey bones to survive. And in saying that, we’re gonna play you guys what may be the New Jersey state anthem.”
Honored in Their Hometown
The night also included a moment of civic recognition. The band was presented with a ceremonial “key to the city” of Belleville, New Jersey—their hometown—by Mayor Michael Melham. It marked the first time in Belleville’s history that such an honor has been awarded.
Belleville, located just 15 minutes from the stadium, is where Gerard Way, bassist Mikey Way, and guitarist Frank Iero grew up and formed the band.
“My Chemical Romance’s music is deeply rooted in Belleville, but it has gone on to touch the lives of millions of people in every corner of the world,” Melham said in a statement. “As they return to play a massive concert just a few miles from where it all began, I am excited to honor them on behalf of Belleville.”
The Tour Rolls On
The Long Live the Black Parade tour continues this Friday with a stop in Philadelphia, as My Chemical Romance celebrates their legacy with fans across North America.
