Last July, My Chemical Romance — broken up since 2013 — leaked a teaser video tantalizingly close to the tenth anniversary of their landmark album The Black Parade, prompting many to assume the storied arena-punks were reforming. Was it a tour? New music? A real-life Black Parade with holograms hand-drawn by frontman/comic book artist Gerard Way? Nah, it was just a Black Parade re-issue, prompting a lot of kids to be disappointed, but also reaffirming how well the legend of My Chemical Romance had aged during their absence.
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So onto the big question — is My Chemical Romance reuniting anytime soon? Billboard contributor/My Chemical Romance expert Maria Sherman guests on this week’s #AlternativeFacts episode with some inside info to share.
“I will be interviewing [My Chem bassist/current Electric Century chief songwriter] Mikey Way for Billboard soon, and I think it will probably be his first time opening up about rehab and just becoming this musician with a new project,” Sherman says. Expect the piece next week, with Way discussing new developments in his post-My Chem band and overcoming personal demons. From Mikey and his brother Gerard to guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, Sherman and host Chris Payne break down what a My Chem reunion would mean for each of its former members.
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“I feel like they were a pretty progressive band during a time and scene when that really wasn’t happening,” Sherman says. “They were always really inclusive with LGBTQ rights… If they reunite I don’t think it will feel like a dated experience, because they always seemed like good guys with forward-thinking ideals.”
And as usual, #AlternativeFacts features two great interviews! Billboard rock charts manager Kevin Rutherford stops by to preview how a couple of rockin’ albums will premiere on this week’s Billboard 200. How will Harry Styles‘ and Paramore‘s albums sell first week? Who gets the top spot? Are there any other contenders? Rutherford has the answers; listen below to get prime charts insight from inside the Billboard office before it all goes public in the coming days!
#AlternativeFacts is a new weekly Billboard podcast devoted to all things alternative music. Click here to subscribe to the #AlternativeFacts Podcast on iTunes. Let us know what you think on Twitter (@cpayneonaplane) and by rating the podcast on iTunes.
A new episode posts each Thursday (this week’s was delayed due other editorial obligations), so check back May 25 for the next installment!