When Mayor Michael Melham made a grand entrance at his 2024 State of the Township address to the stirring strains of My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade,” he vowed to find a meaningful way to recognize the Belleville boys who founded the world-famous rock band.

Saturday night, before a crowd of 55,000 screaming fans at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, Melham will make good on his promise as he will hop on stage during the band’s performance of  “Welcome to the Black Parade” to personally present the band with an oversize, ceremonial Key to Belleville.

Lead vocalist Gerard Way and his brother, bassist Mikey Way, were raised in Belleville along with fellow member, Frank Iero. The fourth member, Ray Toro, was born in Kearny.  

In a private backstage ceremony, Melham will present four decorative gold-coated keys mounted on plaques with the names inscribed. On the rear will be a QR code linking to the Mayor’s 2024 State of the Township speech whereby he publicly acknowledged the group along with an inscription from the mayor reading:

“In recognition of your musical legacy and your place as a Favorite Son of Belleville, NJ — your worldwide impact has inspired a generation, and you continue to make your hometown proud.”

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