Founded in 2001 in Newark, New Jersey, in the days following the September 11 attacks, My Chemical Romance are an American alternative rock and emo band whose theatrical sound and generation-defining anthems made them one of the most influential rock acts of the 21st century. Frontman Gerard Way (vocals) started the band with his brother Mikey Way (bass), Ray Toro (lead guitar), and Matt Pelissier (drums), with Frank Iero (rhythm guitar) joining shortly after and Bob Bryar later taking over on drums.

After releasing their independent debut, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002) on Eyeball Records, the band signed to Reprise and broke through with Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004). The album went platinum on the strength of singles "Helena" and "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)," whose Tim Burton-meets-MTV music videos turned the group into figureheads of a global emo movement.