In a moment that has started to gain attention on TikTok, Y2K artist Middle Part posted a now semi-viral video on August 1, 2024, in which they allegedly overheard My Chemical Romance rehearsing their 2004 breakout single “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” The track appears on the group’s album Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, which celebrated its 20 year anniversary in June.
Given the timing and location, it’s not impossible that a fellow musician could have heard My Chemical Romance rehearsing in a Los Angeles studio. The beloved emo-punk legends are set to headline this weekend’s When We Were Young Fest, their second appearance after a triumphant 2022 showing. But here’s the twist: despite their sophomore album just hitting the 20-year milestone, the band has been billed to perform their 2006 magnum opus, The Black Parade, in full. This raises the tantalizing question: If the band is performing The Black Parade, an album that boasts a nearly 52-minute runtime, why would they be practicing “I’m Not Okay”?
Read more: A Day To Remember & Mike Hranica Perform “I’m Made Of Wax, Larry”
There are a couple of plausible explanations here. Option A: My Chemical Romance has been granted extra set time to perform fan favorites like “I’m Not Okay,” “Helena,” and perhaps even “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na).” Or—and this is a big or based entirely on speculation—Option B: They could be gearing up for something even bigger AFTER the festival ends. Perhaps, dare we say, they’re rehearsing for another tour. The Black Parade will turn 20 years old in October 2026, which would be the perfect time for the band to hit the road again in celebration.
Regardless of which may be true—if either—let’s face it: we’re definitely not o-fucking-kay heading into WWWY weekend as anticipation for My Chemical Romance resurrecting The Black Parade—because remember, they told us in 2007 that it was DEAD—grows.
While we’re counting down the hours until MCR takes the stage, we’ll be rewatching The Black Parade Is Dead! full concert in preparation.
