East Rutherford, NJ – On Saturday night (Aug. 9), New Jersey natives My Chemical Romance brought their homecoming show to a roaring close with a heartfelt nod to one of the state’s other musical legends, Bon Jovi.
Taking the stage at MetLife Stadium as part of their ongoing Long Live The Black Parade Tour, the band surprised fans by closing the night with a high-energy cover of Bon Jovi’s 1986 hit “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Before launching into the track, frontman Gerard Way addressed the crowd with a grin: “We’re going to play you guys what might as well be the New Jersey state anthem.” He revealed that the song choice came at the request of guitarist Frank Iero, who had once seen Way perform it during a karaoke night. “I f–king love this song,” Way added, drawing loud cheers.
Originally released as the second single from Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet, “Livin’ on a Prayer” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became a working-class anthem for New Jersey. The song’s enduring lyrics and blue-collar spirit have made it a timeless staple for fans across generations.
A Surprise Key to the City
The evening held another unexpected moment when Michael Melham, mayor of the band’s hometown of Belleville, appeared on stage. In front of thousands of fans, he honored My Chemical Romance with the key to the city — a first in Belleville’s history.
“Belleville’s musicians have entertained millions worldwide, shaping generations with their sound,” Melham told the audience. “In our long history — from Revolutionary War heroes to Supreme Court justices — we have never awarded a key to the city. That changes tonight.”
Gerard Way, caught off-guard by the announcement, accepted the honor in true Black Parade fashion. Staying in character, he told Melham in an exaggerated Eastern European accent, “We cannot let you leave without giving you a token of our land, Draag,” before presenting him with a bundle of wheat and a “Gubric fish from the Gubric River” in exchange.
It was a night that perfectly blended nostalgia, local pride, and a shared love for New Jersey’s rich musical heritage — one that fans will be talking about long after the final chord faded.
