My Chemical Romance (MCR) is an American rock band that originally formed in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way. MCR achieved mainstream success with their 2004 album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and became one of the most popular rock bands of the 2000s. They broke up in 2013 but reunited in 2019. Fans have been wondering if MCR will tour the UK again now that they are back together.
Have they toured the UK before?
Yes, My Chemical Romance has toured the UK multiple times in the past. Their first UK shows were in 2004 in support of their breakthrough album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. They played shows in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham. MCR returned to the UK frequently over the next several years, doing headlining tours in 2005, 2007, and 2011. Their 2011 tour was notable because they played arenas like The O2 in London, showing how much their popularity had grown in the UK over the years. Some of their most memorable UK performances include headlining Reading and Leeds Festivals in 2005 and 2011.
When did they break up and reunite?
My Chemical Romance broke up in 2013 after 12 years together. They announced their breakup on their official website, stating that it was time for the band members to pursue other interests and spend time with their families. This came as a shock to fans who did not see it coming.
After 6 years apart, MCR delighted fans by announcing their reunion on Halloween 2019. They posted cryptic social media teasers leading up to the announcement of a reunion show in Los Angeles in December 2019. The LA show sold out instantly. MCR has said the reunion came about naturally after the band members reconnected and found they still enjoyed playing music together. The reunion has opened the door for My Chemical Romance to potentially tour worldwide again.
Have they announced any UK tour dates since reuniting?
So far, My Chemical Romance has not announced any UK tour dates since getting back together in 2019. They have only played a handful of reunion shows in the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. However, the band has strongly hinted that they plan to tour Europe in 2023.
In an interview with Kerrang! magazine in August 2022, frontman Gerard Way stated “We will be in the UK as soon as we can,” indicating a UK tour is likely on the horizon. Additionally, My Chemical Romance posted on their Instagram in September 2022 saying “To Be Continued…UK” further stoking anticipation of an upcoming UK tour announcement.
What gives hope they will tour the UK soon?
There are several reasons fans can remain optimistic that My Chemical Romance will tour the UK in the near future:
- High UK fan demand – The UK has always been one of MCR’s strongest markets with a massive loyal fanbase eagerly awaiting their return.
- Tradition of touring there – As mentioned, they have a long history of successful UK tours. It would be highly unusual for them to avoid touring there now.
- Proximity to Europe – If MCR is already planning to tour Europe in 2023 as suggested, it makes logical sense geographically to also hit major UK arenas and festivals.
- UK music media buzz – There is increasing buzz and speculation in UK music media like Kerrang! about an impending tour announcement.
- Social media hints – Posting “To Be Continued…UK” shows the band knows UK fans are clamoring for shows and they plan to deliver.
Based on all of these factors, it seems very likely that My Chemical Romance is plotting a UK tour for 2023 following their European dates. Announcements confirming this could be made at any time.
What UK venues might they play?
If My Chemical Romance tours the UK, fans can reasonably expect them to hit the following venues and cities:
- The O2 – London
- AO Arena – Manchester
- Utilita Arena – Birmingham
- First Direct Arena – Leeds
- The SSE Hydro – Glasgow
- Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
These are the major arenas MCR has played on their last few UK tours. Other possible cities include Belfast, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield.
In terms of festivals, MCR would be a perfect major headliner for:
- Reading and Leeds Festivals
- Download Festival
- Isle of Wight Festival
My Chemical Romance is one of the biggest names in emo/alternative rock. As such, they could command headlining spots at any of the major UK summer festivals in 2023 if they decide to be part of the festival circuit.
How quickly could UK shows sell out?
If My Chemical Romance does announce a UK tour for 2023, it will undoubtedly be one of the hottest concert tickets of the year. Tickets will sell ridiculously fast when they go on sale.
Their Los Angeles reunion show in 2019 sold out in minutes, faster than most fans could buy tickets. While a full UK arena tour would have more availability than one show, certain dates like London, Manchester, and Glasgow could still sell out in hours or days at most.
MCR’s UK audiences are fiercely loyal. Despite the long hiatus, their fanbase remains eager to see them live. Add in new fans who never got the chance before their breakup, and demand will far outstrip supply when tickets are released.
Fans who want tickets should be alert and ready to buy immediately when the on-sale dates are announced. Joining fan club presales or securing ticket packages could help gain early access before the general on-sales.
How much could tickets cost?
Ticket prices for a My Chemical Romance UK tour could be in line with pricing for major alternative/rock reunions tours in recent years:
| Tour | Year | Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Guns N’ Roses | 2017 | £60 – £120 |
| Take That | 2019 | £50 – £85 |
| Spice Girls | 2019 | £60 – £110 |
| Rage Against the Machine | 2020 | £75 – £135 |
Based on these comparable tours, My Chemical Romance ticket prices could start around £60-£70 for nosebleed seats and go over £100+ for floor tickets and VIP packages. Of course fees and demand will further drive up prices on resale sites.
Fans hoping to get tickets for under £100 face their best odds getting seated level tickets for shows outside London when they initially go on sale. The most in-demand dates for floor tickets and prime lower bowl seats will definitely command the highest premiums.
What songs might they play?
Trying to predict My Chemical Romance’s potential setlist for a UK tour involves some guesswork. But looking at the most common songs they have played live since reuniting gives a good indication of what fans might hear:
- “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)”
- “Welcome to the Black Parade”
- “Mama”
- “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)”
- “Famous Last Words”
- “Helena”
- “Teenagers”
- “The Ghost of You”
- “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison”
- “Planetary (GO!)”
Additional fan favorites like “Thank You for the Venom,” “I Don’t Love You,” and “The Sharpest Lives” seem likely as well. They have a deep discography to pull from, so the setlists could vary across the different shows.
It’s also possible MCR could break out a new song or two on a 2023 tour. Gerard Way has hinted at the possibility of new music. A UK tour would be the perfect place to unveil fresh material to their adoring international fans.
How much are resale tickets going for?
UK My Chemical Romance fans desperate to see the newly reunited band live have already been looking to the secondary market for tickets, even without dates announced yet.
On resale sites like StubHub and Viagogo, speculated MCR UK dates are listed starting around £150 per ticket going up towards £400+ for desirable standing floor spots. Of course, these are just speculative listings and not actual tickets on sale yet.
Once UK dates are formally announced, demand will drive resale prices even higher, especially closer to the shows selling out. For popular dates like London and Manchester, floor tickets could easily resell for £500 or more in 2023 if MCR tours there.
Fans who refuse to pay inflated resale prices must be vigilant when tickets initially go on sale through official channels. This will be their best opportunity to secure face value tickets before resellers scoop them up.
Will it be their last chance to see MCR in the UK?
There is no way to definitively know if a 2023 UK tour would be My Chemical Romance’s last. However, there are a few reasons why fans should not assume future opportunities:
- The band members are getting older and have other career interests.
- Lead singer Gerard Way has struggled with vocal issues on past tours.
- MCR is choosing their reunion selectively rather than embarking on grueling multi-year tours.
- Their 2019 reunion was called a “return” rather than a permanent regrouping.
Nothing suggests MCR plans to break up again soon. But the realities of band members getting older along with Way’s vocal concerns point towards selective touring rather than sticking together permanently.
My Chemical Romance also has a history of long breaks between tours. They toured intermittently from 2004-2011 with multi-year gaps in between. After 2023, who knows when they would return to the UK again?
For UK fans, a 2023 tour could be a long-awaited opportunity to see MCR for either the first or last time. Hopefully it’s not the last chance ever, but it’s better not to risk missing it! When My Chemical Romance comes to the UK again, fans need to be ready.
Conclusion
In summary, despite no official announcement yet, the odds are excellent that My Chemical Romance will tour the UK in 2023 based on their remarks about Europe and past UK success. When confirmed, shows will undoubtedly sell out almost instantly no matter the cost due to exceptional demand. Long-time fans would be wise not to miss MCR’s UK return, as future opportunities are uncertain. The band occupies a special place in so many fans’ hearts – for them, this would be a momentous chance to finally see My Chemical Romance live.
