MCR became prison for Way

Gerard Way is relieved to have escaped from the “prison” of My Chemical Romance, he says.

And he’s enjoying a simpler approach to his music after launching his solo career.

He released debut album Hesitant Alien last year, following MCR’s split in 2013. He delivered his first solo shows at the Reading and Leeds festivals over the summer.

Way tells RockSound: “My stressed and hangups about My Chemical Romance came from within. I had built my own prison. But I’ve completely changed my frame of mind.

“I’ve realised that not everything needs to be complex – that I’m actually a very simple person. All I need is my family and the ability to make art.”

He says of performing without the band that made his name: “I wasn’t worried about trying to match the aggression of MCR, and I didn’t stress over convincing people to come along for the ride.

“As a front person you’ve got to get across that sense of, ‘You will like this band.’ I don’t need to do it any more.

“It’s all been a lot simpler, and I’m happy about that.”

Way returns to the UK later this month:

Jan 20: Birmingham O2 Academy

Jan 21: Southampton O2 Guildhall

Jan 23: London O2 Brixton Academy

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.