My Chemical Romance saved my life

e-Mo Magazine reports on the MCR protest march, held on 31 May 2008

On the 9 May 2008, UK tabloid the Daily Mail reported on the suicide of 13-year old Hannah Bond – a self-confessed “emo” - blaming her death on “suicide cult rock band” My Chemical Romance.

Not surprisingly the accusations caused outrage in the emo community and fans of MCR, who felt that this ill-informed, hysterical article vilified a band who have done nothing but offer support and comfort to thousands of people around the world.

“My Chemical Romance is the light in the dark for us, and we will defend them until the end, “ commented Sarah (14) from Florida. “We, the fans, know this band isn't anything wrong. Yes they wear black, yes they support the idea of being your own person in this cookie-cutter society. But that's not a "danger" to society. That's a relief.”

MCR fans unite

In response to the Daily Mail article, 16-year old Anni Smith and a number of other My Chemical Romance fans decided to hold a protest march at Marble Arch on Saturday 31 May, to let the world know the truth about the US band and dispel fears that it is a “suicide cult”.

“We want to raise awareness on My Chemical Romance's true message, raise awareness on the seriousness of depression and suicide,” commented Anni Smith to e-Mo Magazine when quizzed over why she wanted to do this protest march. “[We want to] help people realise how badly researched journalism is in danger of promoting irresponsible stereotyping and taking away from depression as a serious medical illness.”

The march received a huge amount of support from MCR fans around the world, who felt it was time to speak out and stand up for what they believed in.

> Read e-Mo Magazine's interview with organiser, Anni Smith

Marble Arch

e-Mo Magazine arrived at Marble Arch around noon, and already there were around 100 MCR fans of all ages beside the monument, laughing and singing MCR songs.

All dressed in “emo” clothing, many of the fans had placards around their necks stating slogans like “My Chemical Romance saved my life” and “We are not a cult, we're an army”.

On a wall near the underpass hung a giant banner saying “This band saves lives” with hundreds of signatures and messages from fans written on it. The whole atmosphere was very peaceful and positive; this was certainly not the image of a “suicide cult” that the Daily Mail tried to portray.

And it wasn't just teens at the march; many parents were there supporting the cause. e-Mo Magazine spoke to one mother, 43 year old Karen Watson from Nottingham, who was at the rally with her daughter Kim.

“I'm not worried about my daughter,” said Karen when asked if she was concerned about her daughter listening to My Chemical Romance. “I go to all the gigs with her. If parents got involved and listen to the music and spoke to their children about the songs, they'd realise its not a suicide cult.”

Her daughter Kim agreed, reaffirming many fans' statements that MCR are anti-suicide. “They shouted a helpline number out at one of their shows. They don't want their fans to kill themselves.”

In an official statement on their website, My Chemical Romance responded to the accusations made by the UK press, reinforcing their stand against suicide: “My Chemical Romance are and always have been vocally anti-violence and anti-suicide. As a band, we have always made it one of our missions through our actions to provide comfort, support, and solace to our fans.”

And it seemed that the message was getting through to people. Also at the protest were a group of “suicide watchers”, protesting across the road from the main march. “Its just a waste of time,” said MCR fan Dani. “It's so silly. But it proves we're getting our point across.”

And indeed they were. Within an hour the anti-suicide group were leading a conga dance with the MCR fans, and mingling with the teens in the crowd.

e-Mo Magazine asked the Daily Mail to comment about the march, and about their claims that My Chemical Romance was a “suicide cult rock band”, but they failed to reply. It seems that even if the Daily Mail doesn't get the message, others thankfully are.

- I am not afraid to keep on living (Famous Last Words)


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