Emo goth-pop band My Chemical Romance (MCR) had their biggest success when "Welcome to the Black Parade" (2006) topped the US Modern Rock chart for seven weeks, and topped the UK singles chart for two. Though they vehemently reject the 'emo' tag, many casual listeners see MCR as definitive of the genre.
MCR were formed in 2001 by New Jersey natives Gerard Way (vocals) and Matt Pelissier (drums) in the weeks following the September 11 attacks on New York. Way said he was profoundly affected by the event and became inspired to write the song "Skylines and Turnstiles". They rounded out their line-up with Way's brother Mikey (bass), Frank Iero (guitar) and Ray Toro (guitar).
Just three months after forming, MCR signed to Eyeball Records and began recording their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love. Their debut garnered them a strong underground following and caught the attention of Reprise Records, who signed the band in 2003. Their second album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, was released in 2004 and would eventually achieve platinum status. It also launched the band from underground success into the mainstream music market. Shortly after recording the album they replaced founding member Pelissier with former sound mixer for The Used, Bob Bryar.
Their third studio album The Black Parade (2007) won mostly positive reviews and debuted in the US and UK at No.2. The album produced three UK Top 10 singles: "Welcome to the Black Parade", "Teenagers", and "Famous Last Words".
