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Not the Life It Seems: The True Lives of My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is the most significant band in alternative rock in the last decade. Inspirational, original, and stunningly creative, they forged an extraordinary connection with their fans. Not the Life It The True Lives of My Chemical Romance is their definitive biography.
Author Tom Bryant has been given unparalleled access to the band over the years, and now he draws on interviews with Gerard Way, his brother Mikey, Ray Toro, and Frank Iero, as well as friends and associates, to bring their stories to life. In this unauthorized biography, he takes us behind the scenes from their very first show in front of thirty kids in New Jersey-the Ways downing beer to calm their nerves-to international arena-storming superstardom. He sheds light on the personal demons the bandmates battled and the haunted recording sessions that resulted in the brilliance of The Black Parade . He also explores the genesis of their music, the constant reinvention that culminated in the visual splendor of Danger The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys , and the strains that led to their split in 2013.
Insightful and revealing, Not the Life It Seems presents one of the most adored rock bands of this century, their story an epic saga of self-belief and the pursuit of dreams.
Author Tom Bryant has been given unparalleled access to the band over the years, and now he draws on interviews with Gerard Way, his brother Mikey, Ray Toro, and Frank Iero, as well as friends and associates, to bring their stories to life. In this unauthorized biography, he takes us behind the scenes from their very first show in front of thirty kids in New Jersey-the Ways downing beer to calm their nerves-to international arena-storming superstardom. He sheds light on the personal demons the bandmates battled and the haunted recording sessions that resulted in the brilliance of The Black Parade . He also explores the genesis of their music, the constant reinvention that culminated in the visual splendor of Danger The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys , and the strains that led to their split in 2013.
Insightful and revealing, Not the Life It Seems presents one of the most adored rock bands of this century, their story an epic saga of self-belief and the pursuit of dreams.
321 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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1859 people want to read
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January 21, 2023[CAR CRASH] [SIRENS] [CAT YOWLING] [GLASS SHATTERING] MY american rock band my chemical romance....
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January 18, 2024not into the pages spent badmouthing bullets. it is a perfect debut album you just don't know her like i do
October 29, 2015
I have so much to say about this book.
Firstly I want to talk about the author, Tom Bryant. Being so deeply in love with writing myself, I made note of Bryant's style of writing throughout the book. The True Lives of My Chemical Romance is a biography, and probably one of the first non-fiction books I have ever read. I had never expected to enjoy just the writing style itself as much as I do with fiction books. The smooth flow of the timeline was amazing; each MCR era slowly transitioned into the next through Bryant's text; there were no jumps or cuts. His use of metaphors and images managed to represent My Chemical Romance's story so beautifully, it was practically like delving into a regular storybook.
Secondly, throughout the book, I kept in mind the fact that the majority of the quotes from the band members and their associates were from Bryant's interviews throughout several years. I know this must have been hard to put together, specially as it has been fourteen years since the formation of My Chemical Romance. Bryant's determination to tell a story that the whole world needs to know, is evident in this writing.
Most importantly, this book gave me closure. It let me get over the fact that My Chem have ceased to be--something that an intense level of research (*cough* online stalking *cough*) failed to do for me. Now I understand the emotions of Ray, Mikey, Gerard and Frank, as they wrote, recorded, posed, performed, toured, and even when the Way brothers got drunk with self destruction in their minds. When I listen to each album now, for every track, I remember what the band or mostly Gerard and/or Ray were feeling when they wrote a certain song. I think of the hidden meanings behind each track of The Black Parade, with Gerard's personal thoughts curled up inside the massive black abyss that was the thoughts of The Patient. I feel happiness, joy, and a feeling of relief when I listen to Danger Days, knowing how relaxed, even though for only a little bit, the band finally were when working on this album. I feel happy that, for a short period of time, they were no longer struggling in their own skins. I feel happy that the emotional rollercoaster The Black Parade had taken them on had stopped haunting them. I finally understand why My Chem, though probably too soon, had to part ways.
As musicians, My Chemical Romance have touched me in a completely different, glorious way. As individuals, with a passionate love for art, for being true, for being unafraid to "keep on living," My Chemical Romance have created a space of comfort for me and for several other fans; and despite the fact that they have broken up, they still live on among us, and I think that very simply shows how powerful the impact of this band really is.
Firstly I want to talk about the author, Tom Bryant. Being so deeply in love with writing myself, I made note of Bryant's style of writing throughout the book. The True Lives of My Chemical Romance is a biography, and probably one of the first non-fiction books I have ever read. I had never expected to enjoy just the writing style itself as much as I do with fiction books. The smooth flow of the timeline was amazing; each MCR era slowly transitioned into the next through Bryant's text; there were no jumps or cuts. His use of metaphors and images managed to represent My Chemical Romance's story so beautifully, it was practically like delving into a regular storybook.
Secondly, throughout the book, I kept in mind the fact that the majority of the quotes from the band members and their associates were from Bryant's interviews throughout several years. I know this must have been hard to put together, specially as it has been fourteen years since the formation of My Chemical Romance. Bryant's determination to tell a story that the whole world needs to know, is evident in this writing.
Most importantly, this book gave me closure. It let me get over the fact that My Chem have ceased to be--something that an intense level of research (*cough* online stalking *cough*) failed to do for me. Now I understand the emotions of Ray, Mikey, Gerard and Frank, as they wrote, recorded, posed, performed, toured, and even when the Way brothers got drunk with self destruction in their minds. When I listen to each album now, for every track, I remember what the band or mostly Gerard and/or Ray were feeling when they wrote a certain song. I think of the hidden meanings behind each track of The Black Parade, with Gerard's personal thoughts curled up inside the massive black abyss that was the thoughts of The Patient. I feel happiness, joy, and a feeling of relief when I listen to Danger Days, knowing how relaxed, even though for only a little bit, the band finally were when working on this album. I feel happy that, for a short period of time, they were no longer struggling in their own skins. I feel happy that the emotional rollercoaster The Black Parade had taken them on had stopped haunting them. I finally understand why My Chem, though probably too soon, had to part ways.
As musicians, My Chemical Romance have touched me in a completely different, glorious way. As individuals, with a passionate love for art, for being true, for being unafraid to "keep on living," My Chemical Romance have created a space of comfort for me and for several other fans; and despite the fact that they have broken up, they still live on among us, and I think that very simply shows how powerful the impact of this band really is.
March 7, 2023
sometimes i love being autistic
April 24, 2017
This was an amazing book. I cried a total of four times, because I didn't know that the story of the band was actually like this.
You know you've hit rock-bottom when you read a book about your favorite band.
You know you've hit rock-bottom when you read a book about your favorite band.
January 10, 2017
Written by someone who was on very good terms with the band, the author was able to get a remarkable amount of collaboration on what is an unofficial biography.
The book is focused and interesting. It gives good insight, not just on the band members, but on the scene surrounding them.
Definitely a must-read for fans of this iconic band.
The book is focused and interesting. It gives good insight, not just on the band members, but on the scene surrounding them.
Definitely a must-read for fans of this iconic band.
January 26, 2016
My Chemical Romance is one of my favorite bands so I really wanted to read Not the Life It Seems: The True Lives of My Chemical Romance because I wanted to know the background behind the band. I do really like this book because the author goes into great depth of the history of the band and the members of the band and their lives but there is one aspect of the book that is hard to look over and that is that the author tends to repeat himself very often. He will state something in one paragraph and a few paragraphs later he will restate it worded differently and this can get annoying after a while. I do recommend this book but only if you like the band. If you didn't already know background of the band or don't like their music then you might find yourself not caring and bored with the book.
August 30, 2022
‘You know, even The Beatles broke up,’ he sighs. ‘I don’t think it was ever on the cards for us to do it for ever.’ However, he then says one last thing. ‘But that doesn’t mean I don’t wish we could have.’
December 27, 2022
edit: goodreads is super weird about re-reads but i just read it again, three years after the last time. i was correct and the return has been more profound and divine and invigorating than i possibly could have imagined. i never thought i'd see gerard, who i've adored and emulated for a decade now and found solace in with my own gender journey, wearing skirts and dresses and boydrag on so many occasions, and like quite sincerely cheergate changed my life. i am so so thankful i got to see them live, and though i hope they're back for the long haul, i feel so much more at peace with whatever could happen because they literally changed my life yet again. i also maintain that their decline and breakup was a legitimate american tragedy and i DESPERATELY need bryant to write a return post-script.
my favourite book about my favourite band.
I clung to this book in middle school. in the wake of the break up of the band that (cliché alert) "Saved My Life", this was a much needed reminder of all of the good and an explanation of the bad. the only thing was the fact that, only a year after the breakup, there still really wasn't a satisfying way to understand what had happened.
re-reading as a now 19 year old living through the California 2019 revival (which I TOLD YALL would happen! 13 year old kai knew things!), awaiting whatever the hell MCRXX is and having just today bought tickets to see them in Jersey (HEY WHAT??), my heart is healed. I've grown, the band has aged, and the world is so different. I think we're all in a pretty damn good and deserving place for this. I feel a huge sense of clarity and the breakup is no longer a gaping wound shared by millions of listeners.
this book is so damn funny. at its heart, my chemical romance is art, and it's highly conceptual, and it's the most spectacularly subversive band of a Hot Minute, and it's made up genuinely funny and personable dudes. Bryant offers a unique perspective by virtue of sheer proximity as a journalist who first interviewed them during Revenge, reviewed Danger Days, and essentially checked in with them every few steps of the way. His research and thoroughness is fantastic, and he offers a ton of stories that have never been told before. For instance, it's the only place you'll hear about Alex Saavedra punching Gerard in the mouth despite his abscessed tooth to make him sing better. But it's also the most detailed account of how brutally The Black Parade tried to kill this band, uncomfortable truths about the pervasive problems that brought about the bands end, and a ton of other things I wouldn't have known about otherwise.
For a fan of the band I obviously can't recommend this book enough - but it's also such a simply fascinating and vivid biography, I'd recommend it to the most casual of readers. It's a superb account of the most special band of our lifetime.
my favourite book about my favourite band.
I clung to this book in middle school. in the wake of the break up of the band that (cliché alert) "Saved My Life", this was a much needed reminder of all of the good and an explanation of the bad. the only thing was the fact that, only a year after the breakup, there still really wasn't a satisfying way to understand what had happened.
re-reading as a now 19 year old living through the California 2019 revival (which I TOLD YALL would happen! 13 year old kai knew things!), awaiting whatever the hell MCRXX is and having just today bought tickets to see them in Jersey (HEY WHAT??), my heart is healed. I've grown, the band has aged, and the world is so different. I think we're all in a pretty damn good and deserving place for this. I feel a huge sense of clarity and the breakup is no longer a gaping wound shared by millions of listeners.
this book is so damn funny. at its heart, my chemical romance is art, and it's highly conceptual, and it's the most spectacularly subversive band of a Hot Minute, and it's made up genuinely funny and personable dudes. Bryant offers a unique perspective by virtue of sheer proximity as a journalist who first interviewed them during Revenge, reviewed Danger Days, and essentially checked in with them every few steps of the way. His research and thoroughness is fantastic, and he offers a ton of stories that have never been told before. For instance, it's the only place you'll hear about Alex Saavedra punching Gerard in the mouth despite his abscessed tooth to make him sing better. But it's also the most detailed account of how brutally The Black Parade tried to kill this band, uncomfortable truths about the pervasive problems that brought about the bands end, and a ton of other things I wouldn't have known about otherwise.
For a fan of the band I obviously can't recommend this book enough - but it's also such a simply fascinating and vivid biography, I'd recommend it to the most casual of readers. It's a superb account of the most special band of our lifetime.
March 22, 2016
I have to admit I'm a lot late to this party. While I have always know of My Chemical Romance and always had a song or two of theirs on my iPod, I never really sat and listened to all their work until the end of 2015,despite having friends who were really big fans. And My Chemical Romance truly are absolutely amazing. So after listening to all their music non stop for about three months and binge watching live videos on youtube I decided to orded this book in january. Because of lots of life shit that happened I wasn't able to start it until last week,which led to me finishing the book today,22nd of March, of all days. The irony is not lost on me.
It is really interesting to what went into and what was the inspiration behind something so great.The book is really good look inside into everything that happened, and in a way I guess it's better that it ended while they were still good,instead of continuing until you wished they had stopped long before that.(*cough* Supernatural*cough*) Maybe I say that because I wasn't the fan of them I am today when they were still a band. I wish I had seen them live at some point,which lets be real woudn't have happened even if was was a big fan of them when they were still together (thank you geography). They left a huge impact on people and the music industry. I do love Frank Iero's solo album so much,and its so close to my heart, that I can't say i'm not glad that i am able to hear it because they are no longer together.
It is sad that its over,but it isn't over, not really. Gerard was right - "My Chemical Romance is done. But it can never die. " Exactly beause new people find out about them every day(like me,despite the fact that I am 22 years old),and so many people still listen to them every day. That is why they will never be truly gone. And that is beautiful.
"My Chemical Romance: 2001-2013:We were spectacular. "
Yes,they absolutely were.
It is really interesting to what went into and what was the inspiration behind something so great.The book is really good look inside into everything that happened, and in a way I guess it's better that it ended while they were still good,instead of continuing until you wished they had stopped long before that.(*cough* Supernatural*cough*) Maybe I say that because I wasn't the fan of them I am today when they were still a band. I wish I had seen them live at some point,which lets be real woudn't have happened even if was was a big fan of them when they were still together (thank you geography). They left a huge impact on people and the music industry. I do love Frank Iero's solo album so much,and its so close to my heart, that I can't say i'm not glad that i am able to hear it because they are no longer together.
It is sad that its over,but it isn't over, not really. Gerard was right - "My Chemical Romance is done. But it can never die. " Exactly beause new people find out about them every day(like me,despite the fact that I am 22 years old),and so many people still listen to them every day. That is why they will never be truly gone. And that is beautiful.
"My Chemical Romance: 2001-2013:We were spectacular. "
Yes,they absolutely were.
January 5, 2023
we are so lucky that we are existing at the same time as my chemical romance. this book has some flaws and could have used some editing, but overall it offers a lot if insight into the band throughout the years.
February 23, 2023
I liked the part where they said "it's chemical time" and then romanced everyone in the room
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August 31, 2022i love them i love them i love them
January 25, 2023
3.5 rounded up. love the band just wish the book was executed better in some parts
May 24, 2025
I am very normal about MCR (I almost cried multiple times reading this).
Really though, this band was a major part of my life growing up. My angsty teen emo phase is long gone, but I’ll always have such a strong love for them and their music. I decided to read this book because, like crack cocaine, I need MCR content to feed my stupid obsession that creeps back into my life every few years. And I've already heard, seen, and read every piece of MCR content possible (probably). Because of that, I wasn’t sure this book was going to offer me anything I didn’t already know—but I actually got so much out of it.
I especially loved reading about the recording process and life on tour, but they really covered everything. It was a truly perfect beginning-to-end retelling of the band’s story, and it was so satisfying to read.
Frank, if you're reading this (probably not, but I know he's a bookworm), you will always be my favorite member, and your dedication to the band does not go unnoticed by me. Thank you for doing so many interviews for this book.
Really though, this band was a major part of my life growing up. My angsty teen emo phase is long gone, but I’ll always have such a strong love for them and their music. I decided to read this book because, like crack cocaine, I need MCR content to feed my stupid obsession that creeps back into my life every few years. And I've already heard, seen, and read every piece of MCR content possible (probably). Because of that, I wasn’t sure this book was going to offer me anything I didn’t already know—but I actually got so much out of it.
I especially loved reading about the recording process and life on tour, but they really covered everything. It was a truly perfect beginning-to-end retelling of the band’s story, and it was so satisfying to read.
Frank, if you're reading this (probably not, but I know he's a bookworm), you will always be my favorite member, and your dedication to the band does not go unnoticed by me. Thank you for doing so many interviews for this book.
October 27, 2015
The final words of this book are heartbreaking and that's coming from someone who lived through the ending when it happened.
I'd like to thank Tom Bryant for writing this, it has provided more closure than My Chemical Romance did when they announced their split on their website, and it has a lot of exclusive interviews in it that give a huge insight into the band from the beginning right to the end.
I've read two other books on this band and this one was definitely the best, even though there is still a stronger emphasis on Gerard's input than the other members, this book is still a lot more balanced in terms of credit than the other books I've read, acknowledging that this was definitely not a one man band.
Every fan of this band should read this book.
I'd like to thank Tom Bryant for writing this, it has provided more closure than My Chemical Romance did when they announced their split on their website, and it has a lot of exclusive interviews in it that give a huge insight into the band from the beginning right to the end.
I've read two other books on this band and this one was definitely the best, even though there is still a stronger emphasis on Gerard's input than the other members, this book is still a lot more balanced in terms of credit than the other books I've read, acknowledging that this was definitely not a one man band.
Every fan of this band should read this book.
December 8, 2021
Just a wonderful read. ❤️ Not that much in here that superfans won't already know about (though I actually did learn a thing or two!), but reading it all laid out chronologically like this put things into perspective in a great way. It made me reconsider a few things and see this band in a new light - namely, as real and flawed humans rather than just rock icons.
It was a really good deep dive on a band I love and I had a blast. (And wow, what an undertaking on the author's part!).
It was a really good deep dive on a band I love and I had a blast. (And wow, what an undertaking on the author's part!).
September 21, 2022
could’ve used a healthy dose of editing but the band’s story was delightfully told and it was really fun to read through :)
June 19, 2023
Tom Bryant talks about these guys like they're mythical. It feels like reading a story about king Arthur and thats sort of how I think about them, not gonna lie. Theres this one interview (you know the one) where Gerard says he identifies with Joan of Arc because he also felt touched by a higher purpose to be in the band.
It makes sense to think like that: these guys were touched by a higher power to come together and play such beautiful music in such beautiful performances. The brothers Way, Ray Toro (Tom is so right, what a name!!) and Frank Unkillable Iero. Their very own round table. Reading their story and how fast they grew and how many people were crazy about them feels like they were tied to a comet.
I love this band very much. I don't think I've been this obsessed with a band since being 14 and pushing myself to learn English so I could engage with other bastille fans in online forums. Finished the book right after listening to Drowning Lessons and it felt so bittersweet to read those closing lines, about how Frank felt like a fan still and he saw the band as one of the greats and how he didn't feel they were over yet, just as the final guitar riff comes in feeling like a freight train out of control. Putting it like a child, I wish nothing ever hurt and I wish everything was very simple. That's not how things work though so Im just glad something so beautiful came out of them coming together.
It makes sense to think like that: these guys were touched by a higher power to come together and play such beautiful music in such beautiful performances. The brothers Way, Ray Toro (Tom is so right, what a name!!) and Frank Unkillable Iero. Their very own round table. Reading their story and how fast they grew and how many people were crazy about them feels like they were tied to a comet.
I love this band very much. I don't think I've been this obsessed with a band since being 14 and pushing myself to learn English so I could engage with other bastille fans in online forums. Finished the book right after listening to Drowning Lessons and it felt so bittersweet to read those closing lines, about how Frank felt like a fan still and he saw the band as one of the greats and how he didn't feel they were over yet, just as the final guitar riff comes in feeling like a freight train out of control. Putting it like a child, I wish nothing ever hurt and I wish everything was very simple. That's not how things work though so Im just glad something so beautiful came out of them coming together.
March 26, 2020
4.75 Stars
I'll write a review when I'm ready. I just started school and I'm not sure how much I want to say/write about this book yet. Probably more than I'll ever be able to. Stay tuned!
Edit: So originally I said that I would eventually get around to writing a review for this, but then school took over, and then the band actually got back together lol, and now I have no idea what I was even gonna say. Basically, MCR is one of my all-time favorite bands and it was great getting to learn more about the meaning behind each song and how the band got started! A lot in here I already knew, but there was definitely plenty of unknown facts to keep me interested. :)
I'll write a review when I'm ready. I just started school and I'm not sure how much I want to say/write about this book yet. Probably more than I'll ever be able to. Stay tuned!
Edit: So originally I said that I would eventually get around to writing a review for this, but then school took over, and then the band actually got back together lol, and now I have no idea what I was even gonna say. Basically, MCR is one of my all-time favorite bands and it was great getting to learn more about the meaning behind each song and how the band got started! A lot in here I already knew, but there was definitely plenty of unknown facts to keep me interested. :)
October 17, 2014
Wow, I must admit I've never enjoyed biographies but this interested me it gave me a bigger insight into the songs from the band I've always loved and looked up to, now I understand the break up and big thanks to the writer for making this possible.
January 20, 2022
if you thought i already knew enough about my chemical romance think again
April 9, 2023
happy bday gerard thanks for coming back from the dead several times
February 13, 2025
this book was rlly interesting at first but after a while, a lot of it seemed to be filler. I think it could be cut down to 200 pages and be much better, maybe to someone who cared lots about the music industry it would feel a bit less redundant.
The stuff about My Chem was interesting, but unfortunately there was a whole lot of waffle about what genre of music My Chem wasand the history and credentials of the people they were working with.
I did however like it, and I loved the last few chapters
The stuff about My Chem was interesting, but unfortunately there was a whole lot of waffle about what genre of music My Chem wasand the history and credentials of the people they were working with.
I did however like it, and I loved the last few chapters
August 7, 2020
worth it if nothing else for the final phone call with frank. not reinventing the wheel by any means, but largely good and sometimes great.
feel its too incriminating to mention that i don't feel i gleaned Huge amounts of new information, but that's more likely indicative of personal failings.
feel its too incriminating to mention that i don't feel i gleaned Huge amounts of new information, but that's more likely indicative of personal failings.
March 8, 2025
4.75⭐️
Letting the gang know that I'm a nerdy emo looser
Letting the gang know that I'm a nerdy emo looser
June 24, 2025
Not super well written but I learned a lot lol
September 23, 2025
biased to the ends of the earth, but starting this while on my first tour and finishing in the early stages of production for my band’s first full-length album was perfect.
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October 13, 2025this was a research read but truly mcr breaking up was my 1d breaking up and this PHYSICALLY HURT ME TO RELIVE!!!!!
September 25, 2025
realized very early on that I couldn’t read this in public because I’d start hyperventilating and crying and foaming at the mouth. I will never love anyone or anything more than my chemical romance
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