Gerard Way Meets Iggy Pop
News
With his wild onstage antics and upcoming "sleazy Detroit rock" album, My Chemical Romance's frontman is a true disciple of The Stooges. "I didn't want the girls to want to f--k me, I wanted the straight guys to want to f--k me," Way says. "I got that from Iggy."
SPIN: Gerard, when did you first hear Iggy's music?
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GERARD WAY: This is kind of a crazy story. There was a cartoon I saw as a child called Rock & Rule.
IGGY POP: Oh my God! Somebody saw it!
WAY: Yeah! It had a huge impact on me. It was set in the future and starred [the music of] Iggy, Lou Reed, Debbie Harry, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
POP: I remember my song was called "Pain & Suffering." [Sings] "Red wine turns to blood / A cow floats upside down in a river of mud!"
WAY: It scared me, but I was drawn to it. I rediscovered it in middle school, right when [Iggy's pop hit] "Candy" came out. I'd been a metalhead, but then I got into punk and the Ramones, and through that I got into Iggy.
POP: They were good to me that way, the Ramones. I just saw a picture of a night at CBGB's in 1975 when they held a party for me. We all had that same bowl haircut! Five of us with a bowl. Mine was platinum and theirs were dark.
SPIN: The Ramones were from Queens; Iggy, you're from Michigan, and Gerard, you're from Jersey -- three of the most disrespected places in America. Do you feel a connection because of that?
POP: Yeah, real knucklehead places. Allen Ginsberg is from New Jersey, from Paterson, and it's a pretty ugly town as he paints it.
WAY: I'm from Newark, which is pretty much Paterson. Paterson is a fucked-up place.
POP: I always liked Newark because it was so embattled. I like semi-torn-down places where I could get nestled in and get something done without anyone bothering me.
WAY: Definitely. We practiced in this factory there where there had been murders. It's in the deconstructed, destroyed cities where people will leave you alone so you can create yourself.
SPIN: Do you both carry your hometowns with you in the art you make?
POP: I certainly do. If I'm in Paris and the people get very French, I find my drawl thickening, like [adopts heavy Detroit accent] "You know what there, Froggy…"
WAY: I wouldn't have been able to move to L.A. if I felt I was going to lose my identity as a New Jerseyian. My accent has gotten thicker since I've lived here. L.A. people might hate me for saying this, but when [my wife] Lindsey and I moved, we thought, "Everyone here is so polite. If a bunch of people moved out from the East Coast, they could fucking run this place." Like the person I'm getting coffee from, he's definitely motherfucking me and is going to say something when I'm gone. Not like in New York, where they'll just motherfuck you to your face.
POP:"Heyyyy, man, great to see you! You're a beautiful cat!" But seriously, there's some highly capable assassins out there. So hats off to 'em.
SPIN: I wanted to talk to you both about influential concerts in your life. Iggy, you've spoken about seeing Jim Morrison and the Doors in 1967.
VIDEO:
On the Set with Gerard WayPOP: It was the homecoming dance at the University of Michigan, and it was an intimate setting, sort of like the prom scene in Carrie. When the dude appeared, Morrison, he lurched onto the stage, and people probably thought he was drunk. But I knew that cat had had three or four hits of acid. His pupils were totally dilated, and he had on a sort of Hedy Lamarr–as-Delilah outfit, and when he opened his mouth, he sang only in falsetto baby talk. There was no applause. No approval. No comprehension. It was a visibly unsuccessful evening, and that's what I loved about it in retrospect. Afterwards, I was vibrating with this feeling that I have no excuse not to get our miserable, good-for-nothin' band out on the stage.
WAY: All of the performances that mattered to me were the shows I couldn't go to because they'd already happened and I was just a kid. In a lot of ways, my band has always been in response to stuff. Seeing bands like Thursday and At the Drive-In, they were plugged into what I like to call "Motor City motherfuckin' rock," channeling the Stooges, channeling the MC5. During this one performance, ATDI were wearing catsuits, crawling under the stage. It was sexy and challenged your sexuality. I guess all I added to that was eyeliner. I wanted to challenge gender, abuse the audience. I didn't want the girls to want to fuck me, I wanted the straight guys to want to fuck me. I think I got that from Iggy.
POP: Maybe you should give John Mayer a call. [Laughs] I think whatever it is you're doing, if you're gonna get up and do it in front of the public, it's going to blow unless you give free rein to your emotional truths. Otherwise you're going to look like you're pandering.
WAY: I've always loved Lust for Life—the whole record for me is perfect. You're not pandering at all. I started to feel on the last [My Chemical Romance] record like I was pandering, and that the money had put me in stasis. It's like a trap: Stasis is death, and I started to make safe decisions. But then on [2007's Projekt Revolution] tour, our last one for [The Black Parade], a journalist told me we were like the fucking Stooges up there. That's what we're trying to get back to on this new record, what we had on that one tour.
POP: A lot of young musicians get the money at the wrong time. They get it for something they don't feel great about, and it'll make you feel so bad it'll destroy you and kill you. Musical types tend to combine the burden of the author with the burden of the actor.
WAY: I never thought about that, being author and actor. We were going to these cities where there were hate crimes directed at the kids listening to us, the kids wearing all black. I retreated and stopped being on the crusade. I didn't want anyone to get hurt. The light at the end of the tunnel was a friend reminding me I didn't wear a Public Image Ltd. pin on my jacket in high school because I wanted to get spit on, I wore it because I wanted to wear it. Our kids are the same way: It's their fucking choice. I can't protect them. I need to give them what they want.
POP: If you give a good performance, something that gets some feeling across to people, that's such a rare gift. It's underestimated at this point in history, when the music biz is inevitably turning into a kind of politics. It's good to withdraw at certain times. A steady diet of it is rough on a person.
75 Comments
Click here to comment- Posted By Anonymous2
05.29.10 6:18 PM
Hey Black Parade Marches on: news flash - the other Anon is correct. Individuals who were there from the beginning (Brian, Worm, Med and Cortez) have all quit working for the band and are no longer speaking with or have little contact with MCR. It is documented in articles, interviews and on Brian, Worm and Cortez's twitters. I find it laughable that you try to pass yourself off as a diehard fan who can quote the history and yet doesn't know that Bob recently quit. Try harder next time. But I disagree about Jack White, Gerard is trying to rip off Robert Smith, much like they ripped off every 70's artist (especially Kiss) for The Black Parade.
- Posted By Anonymous
05.29.10 6:10 PM
Despite your username, you seem to have little or no knowledge of MCR. Guess What: The largest MCR story of 2010: Bob Bryar quit the band. Could of looked on their website to get that one. Guess what: Thanks for the history lesson (which is MCR 101) Via Brian's own statement and various interviews he has given, he quit as manager and no longer speaks with the band. Worm quit several years ago before the Project Rev tour. Medhi quit after the Projeckt Rev Tour. Cortez, who has been a fill in for various spots over the years, no longer works with the band. Simple internet searches could have saved you some face.
If you are going to defend someone, at least know what the hell you are talking about. And wow, how about trying to be "original" and not a poor replication of someone else.
- Posted By The Black Parade Marches On
05.29.10 3:06 PM
Dear Anonymous:
As far as i knew, only one person has ever properly left, Matt Pelissier. And that's because there's only room for one drummer in a band, and Bob had much more skill, as to why Bob left, his wrist got injured while playing, it had to be operated on and he can't play anymore because of it, that's how badly he got hurt.
Matt Cortez was only a temporary replacement, he took Mikey's place on the Black Parade tour because Mikey got married and wanted to spend some time with his wife, they needed a temporary Bass Guitarist while Mikey took some time off.
And wtf are you on about Brian, Worm and Medhi? They weren't even temp members! EVER.
Would they perhaps be administrative staff...?
Because I keep hearing about Brian Schechter, the bands manager who used his entire life savings to send the band on their first tour (They wouldn't fire him after he did that, and he sure as hell wouldn't leave his greatest investment) and Worm who is head of the band's security. They never left, they are still currently working for MCR and the only references I can find to a "Medhi" are an overly violent security guard who assaulted fans and photographers for incredibly stupid reasons who may or may not have been fired because of this, and one DJ Medhi with little or no link to My Chem.
And hey, I "Steal" peoples looks all the time, sometimes you have to shake it up a bit and it's stupid to try and start a new look from scratch, believe me, I've tried. You just keep picking up all the stuff you used to wear, like a force of habit. It's good to take an example from someone else and build from there. Every artist knows the process of "Artist Research" where you look at the work of artists who have done similar work to the piece you want to draw, sculpt, whatever and you recreate some of their work before you work on designs for your own piece. Gerard's "Artist" just happens to be Jack White.
It will grow to be a new look for him, more unique than before because everyone was emulating Gerard himself, so his look lost a lot of its originality
- Posted By Anonymous
05.28.10 12:46 PM
I have to wonder why Gerard has decided to steal Jack White's look? These guys used to be original and it appears they have become nothing more than poor replications of their "idols." This article made me loose much respect for the man, but the Nylon magazine interview ended him for me. He has become just another L.A. poser, with their new pseudo art crowd which is fixated on pedophile paintings of little girls clad in meat. MCR lost a fan when they became engrained with the L.A. attitude. Also, you gotta wonder why they have redone this "amazing record" 3 times, why Bob, Brian, Worm, Medhi and Cortez all left this band.
- Posted By alfredo mcr
05.07.10 7:00 PM
wwoooowwww is my idol I hope soon they get the new album but...
- Posted By Anonymous
05.04.10 3:41 PM
Why is Gerard feminine all of a sudden? Is Lyn-z making him do the breast feeding? (JK) But seriously, I'd think he would have gotten manlier ever since he became... well, a dad. BUT, Gerard looks good, happy, and healthy. That's what matters.
Besides that, I am thrilled about the new album, and I can't wait. Also wondering about the new drummer.
- Posted By Anonymous
04.09.10 2:52 PM
I LOVE MCR! MCR got me through the worst break-up with the love of my life. (were both married). Gerard sounds like he's crying when he sings. I once read that gerard writes and sings "songs for the jilted". So true. He alo writes songs about getting over it. Their music saved my life and my sanity,,,,,truly,,,,,and for that, I will love them FOREVER!
- Posted By vampira
04.06.10 6:01 PM
holy **** gerard i cant believe u said that about ppl that live in los angeles hahahahaha!!!!!! man i live in L.A. and to tell u the truth there not polite there ****ty ass ppl trust me i've lived here for 16 years man XD ur amazing and i did not know u were a metalhead back then
- Posted By Daisy
04.04.10 1:31 AM
hm...that video reminds me of why i fell in love with mcr in the first place. MCR FTW! they are so going to win in the march madness thing.i will rage if the dont! (exaggeration) seriously though...i freakin love them and i always will. no matter what stupid stereotype i fit into for that.
- Posted By Ave Caligari
04.03.10 7:08 PM
Just thought I would also remind us all that he's a man with responsibilities! He's most likely up and about at odd hours, as a parent tending to his daughter, satiating to his muse in art when it beckons, recovering on orders from his doc, all while still recording and arranging in the studio. And too add on the video was probably shot in the midst of all of it. I wouldn't blame the guy he's probably exhausted from keeping to such a hectic schedule!
With all due respect give this long dead debate a rest and focus on the sole purpose and meaning of their music.
Enjoy what Gerard and Iggy are sharing with all of you!
- Posted By Stephanie AKA MCR fan4lyf
04.03.10 7:07 PM
Waz up My chemical romance.You guys are totally gonna kick Muses but at the Mtv`s mussical march maddness thing.I like Muse but you guys are more aewsomer than any band in the world.The only thing that sucks about this is you can only vote one time.WHY THE HELL ONE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!anyway,I love you guys so much and since i`m so mad you can only vote one time i`m gonna punch my worst enemmies face when I go back to school,don`t know why but I LOVE U FOREVER.OH YA before I forget I wish you a ton of luck to win THE MCRmy WILl LIVE ON FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Posted By Ave Caligari
04.03.10 6:42 PM
Just picked up the issue today! I've long awaited for it's arrival on the shelves and I have to say this was a nice early easter gift. With the countless collection of issues I have from SPIN they seem to be ever genuine and loyal to their readers and clients and always provide a satisfying article. Any reader will enjoy the intimacy of the countless interviews of this special edition. It's a refreshing perspective! And reveals Gerard's sincere homage to his early roots in punk music with Iggy and the intimate experiences they share in the most unlikely of times. Definitely a must addition for any aspiring artist!
- Posted By Dust Vapor
04.02.10 4:17 PM
Gerard is awesome, no seriously he is the only reason I kept up with my artwork. They are not overkill. They are ornate, nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
- Posted By Poetic Justice
04.01.10 5:53 PM
OK now you know im OCD.
Did you know that some elephant out there is slaping the canvases with his trunk...and they are selling for thousands of dollars..
Sound familiar...
LO ****ING L
- Posted By Poetic Justice
04.01.10 5:32 PM
There I left my email for you to email me. I am seriously think these guys are "Stooges" who sings someone else's lyrics knowing that the song is an insult to their entire career.... Gerard did?!
Yes everyone, he sure done did it.
I still to this day don't understand why. I bet it was because some corperate dumbass was handling the songs and handed him a bunch of lemons and he sure did eat them up... And you could tell by the sour look on his face that he didnt wanna....
LOL OMG!
If you are a my chemical romance fan and wondering why they havent shown their faces for a while...Just send me a message and I would clarify that for ya.
LOL 4 LIFE
- Posted By Poetic Justice
04.01.10 11:35 AM
Lets just face the truth... I killed them off. I have no IDEA what he is talking about. I would puke all over this interview if I could but I like my computer too much. I LOL my ass off listening to Gerard singing the hatefull lyrics that I wrote. LOL to me writting this. Damn im bored.
Anyway
If anyone questions my authority you need to contact me about it.
- Posted By Anonymous
03.31.10 10:59 PM
Gerard has always rocked back and forth when he speaks and has always spoken the way he does in the interview here. He is not on drugs; he just has a different way of communicating.
As far as looking like he's on drugs, there's a make-up element to that. The pigment of the skin around his eyes is naturally darker, and the way he prefers to have make-up, if he does wear it is in a way that makes him look sick. He once said that in an interview.
Atop that, he is also recovering from a throat ailment.
Don't jump to conclusions about the man's sobriety without looking at other factors first.
He's okay.
Yes, he's thinner, probably a little sick and stressed, but I severely doubt he would let himself succumb to drugs again after almost losing his battle with them in 2004.
- Posted By Stephanie AKA MCR fan4lyf
03.31.10 8:41 PM
Me again!Go MCRmy all of you MCR fans are sure you will kick but in the MTV musical march maddness thing.You will be #1!Once again love you!!!!!!
- Posted By Stephanie AKA MCR fan4lyf
03.31.10 7:54 PM
Hey it`s me again! I just want to say to more things.I know Gerard your birthday is on April 9 and I want to wish you an early happy birthday,and also I saw that My Chemical Romance one the fight over MTV`s March Musical Maddness against 30 seconds to mars.Now your taking on Panic at the disco!I will be voting for you guys like crazy,(I mean seriously crazy),Once again I hope you win and I will love you guys forever.SERIOUSLY FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Posted By Stephanie AKA (MCR fan4lyf
03.31.10 4:02 PM
Ok My Chemical Romance i`m your truly real biggest fan.Trust me! I know almost every song you guys made and i`m looking forward to your next album realse.I love you guys so much.Oh ya and when are you going to play in New York. LOVE U FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
05.29.10 6:25 PM
One more point: Bob worked for the Used and did sound for other bands. He is not an original member of MCR nor was he even in the band until 2004. When MCR returned from Japan and began work on Three Cheers, Otter (their original drummer) was fired for not being able to keep time on stage and various other reasons (per both Ray and Frank- see Life on the Murder Scene and various articles). Bob was hired prior to the video shoot of "I'm Not Okay" per Bob's own words - he had to be in the video, but had never played the song before. Otter and MCR are not friends and were just involved in a lawsuit. Bob and MCR parted was earlier this year for reasons unknown as was posted on their website. Where the hell did you get your "history"?