We have a collection of 3 arrangements for My Chemical Romance - Helena
What inspired My Chemical Romance's hit song "Helena"? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover My Chemical Romance: Biography of the Iconic Emo Band
"My Chemical Romance" is an American rock band that gained popularity in the 2000s, and "Helena" is one of their most iconic songs. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Inspiration for "Helena": "Helena" is a song from My Chemical Romance's second album, "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge," released in 2004. The song was written as a tribute to Gerard Way's grandmother, Elena Lee Rush, who passed away. "Helena" is a way to cope with the grief and a love letter to her.
Music Video: The music video for "Helena" is renowned for its striking visuals and storytelling. It features a funeral procession with Gerard Way as a pallbearer. The video was directed by Marc Webb, who later went on to direct Hollywood films like "500 Days of Summer" and "The Amazing Spider-Man."
Umbrella Symbolism: In the music video, there's an iconic scene where a black umbrella spins in the air. This umbrella has become a symbol of the band and is often seen as a reference to Elena Rush, who was a fan of the opera and the umbrella could symbolize a performance.
Commercial Success: "Helena" was a commercial success for My Chemical Romance. It received significant airplay on MTV and other music video channels, helping to propel the band to mainstream popularity. It's considered one of the band's signature songs.
Live Performances: My Chemical Romance is known for their energetic live performances, and "Helena" is often a highlight of their shows. Gerard Way's emotional delivery of the song, along with the theatrical elements in their live performances, made it a fan favorite.
Awards and Recognition: "Helena" received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards. It won the award for Best Single at the 2006 Kerrang! Awards.
Impact on Emo Culture: My Chemical Romance, and "Helena" in particular, played a significant role in the emo music movement of the mid-2000s. The song's emotional lyrics and Gerard Way's distinctive vocals resonated with many fans who felt a strong connection to the band's music.
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge: The album "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" on which "Helena" is featured is often considered a classic in the emo and alternative rock genres. It's credited with helping to popularize these genres in the mid-2000s.
Reunion and New Music: My Chemical Romance announced their reunion in 2019 after a hiatus, and they have since released new music and announced a new tour. This was exciting news for fans who had been waiting for their return.
Legacy: "Helena" and My Chemical Romance's music continue to have a lasting impact on music and culture. They are celebrated for their ability to connect with fans on a deep, emotional level, and their songs, including "Helena," still resonate with many people today.
These facts highlight the significance of "Helena" within the My Chemical Romance discography and the band's broader impact on music and culture.