Gerard Way

REVIEW: The Outer Fields at Western Springs became a blanket of black on Saturday night, as years of waiting - through a band hiatus and a pandemic ...

you are”, that the Outer Fields immediately became a 17,500-strong dance floor and karaoke bar. Whether it’s an act or just his persona, Way played the role of dark and dramatic perfectly, switching between grunting and growling at the crowd, before pivoting into difficult to follow dark monologues or cries of: “F... After a ridiculously long intro of lights and what sounded like a post-apocalyptic robotic moth buzzing in Outer Field’s ear, the band - led by frontman Gerard Way - took the stage to the first of many roars from the thousands front of stage. One gets away from his carers, bolting through the crowd with a phone while mum and dad give chase. For almost two hours, he moved about the stage with undying energy, constantly wiping his sweat-drenched fringe from his face. The primarily young fans mix easily with those who are here to relive their youth. Dark jeans and Chuck Taylors was the uniform of choice for many, but goth-inspired ensembles of corsets, tartan skirts and even pin strip suits were also welcomed. Teenagers, Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na) and I’m Not Okay (I Promise) had fans jumping in unison and Ghosts of You saw the first mass display of phone torches. Even a few toddlers happily run around their rock-loving parents. [and for some, camping overnight outside](https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300827320/my-chemical-romance-superfans-camp-outside-western-springs-auckland)) to see. [But after My Chemical Romance’s](https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300825796/super-saturday-snoop-dogg-my-chemical-romance-and-backstreet-boys-all-playing-on-one-night) 10-year hiatus followed by a [Covid-enforced postponement in 2020](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120251736/coronavirus-my-chemical-romance-deftones-auckland-concerts-cancelled), a few hours seemed small sacrifice for many who had been waiting years for this night. Nothing was too over-the-top for a night out with the emo rock band known for embracing the dark and theatrical.