My Chemical Romance

The World Contamination Tour

with The Architects and Circa Survive

Revolution Live
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 17, 2011

Review and Photos by Leah S. Pritchett

Colorful lights illuminated an American flag with an enormous black spider splattered right under the name My Chemical Romance. The crowd of sweaty, malodorous fans intoxicated Revolution Live with their thunderous squeals of excitement as they waited impatiently for their beloved band to appear. Suddenly the lights went dark and the Jersey natives emerged on stage with confidence, ready to play.

Gerard Way

Front man, Gerard Way strutted seductively to the front of the stage, his cherry red hair glistening from the camera flashes that exposed his identity. Way raised his arms in the air, looking at the screaming fans stretching their arms out in hopes of touching him. He smiled charmingly to his worshipers’ and without warning pulsating lights illuminated the stage and the band broke into their catchy hit “Na Na Na” from their newest album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.

Wisely, My Chemical Romance rid themselves of their gothic roots for an infectious, upbeat sound. Their lyrics now touch on political stances and of course, love, demonstrating they’ve morphed into more mature artists. The astonishing part about their innovative sound is that it sounds even better live. Their music has this post-apocalyptic feel where anyone can envision themselves inside of a first person shooter like Borderlands.

The astonishing part about their innovative sound is that it sounds even better live. Their music has this post-apocalyptic feel where anyone can envision themselves inside of a first person shooter like Borderlands.

The Architects

Unfortunately their opening acts, The Architects and Circa Survive, could not live up to My Chemical Romance’s mind-boggling performance. Anthony Green’s (front man of Circa Survive) distinctive vocals failed to get the crowd hyped. My Chemical Romance incredible set seemed to only mock Circa's mediocre performance. Songs like, “I’m Not Okay” from Three Cheers of Sweet Revenge and “Vampires Will Never Hurt you” from their first album I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love showed off the MCR's musical talents and appeal.

Anthony - Circa Survive

Admittedly I caught myself singing along to their song “DESTROYA” and dancing to “Planetary (GO!).” Though the crowd was disappointed when the band taunted them by ending the night with “Helena,” they surprised everyone with an encore of “Bulletproof Heart.”

It has been nearly four years since My Chemical Romance has performed in South Florida and clearly they've established their zero-bullshit tolerance for conforming to what main stream America considers “good music.” My Chemical Romance has set the bar when it comes to performances, leaving other performers with a tough act to follow.

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