After years of anticipation and delay, My Chemical Romance finally kicked off their North American tour on August 20, 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK.

The long-waited North American return of the band was announced in January 2020 in elaborate fashion. A 13 plus minute video titled “A Summoning” took fans on a journey through every era of MCR, ending with the reveal of the tour cities and dates for later that year. Tickets sold out in less than six hours.

However, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the dates would be pushed back to 2021. They were later pushed back once again for the same reason, which finally brings us to 2022 and the kick off show.

With frontman Gerard Way in a Joker tribute costume, complete with make-up, and a drum kit reading "BIG DEATH ENERGY," the band took the stage and opened with their latest single “The Foundations of Decay.” Then they shocked the crowd by going into “Bury Me in Black,” a song recorded as a demo and only ever released as a B-side. This was the first time the band had played this deep cut since 2003.

While all of their major albums were represented, the band also paid attention to their more experimental releases with two songs from Conventional Weapons and “Mastas of Ravenskroft” from the Mad Gear and Missile Kid EP. Black Parade and Danger Days dominated the setlist, with songs from the obvious singles (including “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)” and “Welcome to the Black Parade”) to others like “Mama” and “DESTROYA.” “Ghost of You” from Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge was dedicated to the band’s longtime friend and producer Doug McKean who passed away suddenly in late July.

Oh, and at one point Gerard put Pop Rocks in his mouth and asked the crowd if they could hear it.

The setlist did feature another surprising return, too. “This is the Best Day Ever” was played live for the first time since 2005.

The main set ended with “Sleep.” But the band returned to the stage for a two song encore: “Vampire Money” and of course “I’m Not Okay.” “Helena” was listed on the printed setlist but was cut for time, unfortunately.

The tour is scheduled to keep going through October with stops all over the US. Keep watching Setlist to see if any other big surprises pop up along the way!