My Chemical Romance Covers Bon Jovi & Gets Key To Hometown At New Jersey Concert

My Chemical Romance held their largest home state concert to date on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The show saw the band receive the key to their hometown from the mayor of Belleville and ended with a nod to fellow New Jersey natives with a cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

Saturday’s concert began like others on the tour with My Chemical Romance performing their 2006 album The Black Parade in its entirety. While the band played “Welcome to the Black Parade,” Belleville mayor Michael Melham took the stage to present them with the key to their hometown. A transcript of the mayor’s speech follows:

“So sorry for the interruption, but I have a very special and long-overdue presentation to make. As you heard, my name is Michael Melham and I’m the mayor of Belleville, New Jersey. Anybody from New Jersey in the house tonight? Oh, come on. Anybody from Belleville, New Jersey, in the house tonight?

“For those of you who don’t know, Belleville has a very storied musical history — from Connie Francis to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and to a band you may have heard of, My Chemical Romance.

“Belleville’s musicians have entertained millions worldwide. Their sound has shaped generations. Yet even in our storied history in Belleville — Revolutionary War soldiers, Purple Heart recipients, a Supreme Court justice, various professional athletes — never once in the history of Belleville have we ever handed out a key to the city. And that changes right now.

“It is my distinct honor to present My Chemical Romance with the keys to their hometown, Belleville, New Jersey. It’s long overdue. They deserve it and Belleville couldn’t be prouder of them. Congratulations, gentlemen!”

MCR frontman Gerard Way spoke on behalf of the band and thanked the mayor for the honor. Way later addressed the audience before the final song of the memorable home state concert.

“We’re gonna play you guys what may be the New Jersey state anthem,” Way said, adding, “I fucking love this song, you love this song.”

The crowd erupted after My Chemical Romance began playing “Livin’ On A Prayer” by fellow Jersey-natives Bon Jovi. Watch the band close out their home state concert with the sing-along performance below:

My Chemical Romance also announced back-to-back concerts at London’s historic Wembley Stadium on July 10 and 11, 2026. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 15.