New Jersey’s own My Chemical Romance returned home for a headlining show on Saturday, August 9, and paid homage to another Garden State institution, Bon Jovi.
The sold-out concert at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford marked the latest chapter of their Long Live The Black Parade Tour, closing with a heartfelt rendition of Bon Jovi’s timeless classic “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
“We’re about to perform what might as well be New Jersey’s anthem,” frontman Gerard Way announced, crediting guitarist Frank Iero for suggesting the surprise cover after catching Way’s karaoke take. “I absolutely love this song,” he added with a grin.
Originally released in 1986 as the second single from Bon Jovi’s third album, Slippery When Wet, “Livin’ on a Prayer” followed “You Give Love a Bad Name” to become the band’s second straight No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
With its working-class narrative and Jersey roots, the song has long been embraced as a state rallying cry.
Earlier in the evening, the band paused when Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville—My Chemical Romance’s hometown—took the stage to present them with the key to the city. “Belleville’s musicians have inspired fans around the globe,” he declared, noting that no one had ever received this honor before.
Surprised but delighted, Way accepted while staying in character for the Black Parade segment. In a mock Eastern European accent, he quipped, “We can’t let you leave empty-handed,” presenting Melham with a sheaf of wheat and a “Gubric fish from the Gubric River.”
Watch My Chemical Romance’s cover of “Livin’ on a Prayer” below.
