76. My Chemical Romance

21^st Century Appearances: 2011 Headliners, 2006 Main Stage, 2005 Main Stage (Leeds) NME Stage (Reading)

The Defining Reading Moment: Returning after 2006’s bottling, to headline the main stage with their very special guest Brian May.

Five years ago the idea that Gerard Way would be receiving a heroes welcome when he returned to Reading seemed insane, the notion that he’d be headlining, a fantasy, and the suggestion that he’d be writhing around on his knees while Brian May laid down the solo to “Welcome To The Black Parade”, completely unfathomable, but that’s exactly what happened.

Truth be told My Chemical Romance weren’t that bad in 2006, the bottles didn’t help, and Way was still struggling to find his range, but he valiantly endeavoured and had won over portions of the crowd by the time “Helena” closed proceedings. His perseverance was noted, and while many had already made their minds up on MCR, those with open minds couldn’t help but be impressed. By 2011 everyone was impressed, they might not have drawn the biggest crowd, or sold out their day tickets, but they provided vindication for those fans who’d stuck with them for so long. A slick performance, high on glamour and cheap thrills that sent everyone home happy after the bizarre spectacle that was the Jared Leto variety hour, otherwise known as Thirty Seconds To Mars. David Hayter