The final My Chemical Romance show could’ve been entirely different

We’re a little more than a day away from My Chemical Romance making their big return to the stage in Los Angles. As the world’s most highly-anticipated countdown continues and the band keep teasing details (and possibly a tour), we’re revisiting what would mark their final show in 2012.

Many know that the band took their final bow with “Helena” in their home state of New Jersey at Bamboozle in May 2012. However, had blink-182 not been forced to cancel just 10 days out in turn freeing up a slot, the emo history books could’ve ended up entirely different.

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My Chemical Romance released their last album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, in November 2010. The band embarked on the first run supporting it, the World Contamination tour, beginning in October 2010 through July 2011 hitting North America, Europe and Japan.

Immediately following that run, MCR hit the Honda Civic tour to co-headline with blink-182. With Manchester Orchestra, Matt & Kim and more as support, the tour ran through the U.S. and Canada from August through October 2011.

Drummer Jarrod Alexander (who will also be returning tomorrow) first began playing alongside the band midway through the 2011 Honda Civic Tour. He hopped on after former touring drummer Mike Pedicone (who replaced Bob Bryar after his 2010 departure) was accused of stealing.

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As 2012 kicked off, MCR headed down under for the first of many Big Day Out shows in Australia and New Zealand. In addition to some one-offs in between, the band played Auckland first followed by Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and finally Perth.

The band wrapped up their Australia and New Zealand run with that Perth show Feb. 5, 2012 before heading back to the states.

Almost exactly three months later, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker had to undergo an emergency tonsillectomy. The band canceled some North American tour dates and their Bamboozle festival slot.

With MCR not originally scheduled for the gig, the band stepped in to fill the spot on May 19, 2012, performing before the Foo Fighters on the main stage. MCR played alongside other acts such as A$AP Rocky, Emmure, the All-American Rejects, DJ Pauly D, Iggy Azalea, the Maine, Never Shout Never, Jimmy Eat World, Motion City Soundtrack, Anti-Flag and more.

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Fans didn’t know it at the time, but the final notes of “Helena” would mark the band’s last time performing together on a stage until they return tomorrow.

Following Bamboozle, the band dropped a 10-song collection, Conventional Weapons. Released in five parts across several weeks, the compilation included tracks recorded in 2009 prior to Danger Days. The final one, Number Five, was released Feb. 5, 2013. The following month, My Chemical Romance announced they were breaking up March 22, 2013.

Had these turn of events not been presented, the final show for My Chemical Romance could’ve very well have been in Perth, Australia. Could another show have popped up between February 2012 and their disbandment in March 2013? Sure, but all we know for sure is they rightfully ended their initial legacy where it all began in New Jersey.

Check out the full setlist from their last gig according to setlist.fm below.

My Chemical Romance Bamboozle 2012 setlist

1. “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)”
2. “Thank You for the Venom”
3. “Mama”
4. “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)”
5. “Our Lady of Sorrows”
6. “DESTROYA”
7. “Teenagers”
8. “Vampire Money”
9. “Famous Last Words”
10. “Welcome to the Black Parade”
11. “Vampires Will Never Hurt You”
12. “Helena”

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Following tonight’s big return, the band will head to Australia, New Zealand and Japan in 2020. Check out the full list of dates below with tickets here.

Dates:

12/20/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Auditorium
03/20/20 – Melbourne, AU @ Melbourne Showgrounds (Download Melbourne)
03/21/20 – Sydney, AU @ Parramatta Park (Download Sydney)
03/25/20 – Western Springs, NZ @ The Outer Fields at Western Springs
03/28/20 – Osaka, JP @ INTEX Osaka
03/29/20 – Download Japan @ Makuhari Messe Event Hall

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