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Mikey Way

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Not to be confused with Mikey Day or Milkie Way.

Mikey Way
Way performing in 2011 on his signature Fender Mustang Bass
Way performing in 2011 on his signature Fender Mustang Bass
Background information
Birth nameMichael James Way
Also known asThe Kobra Kid
Born (1980-09-10) September 10, 1980 (age 44)
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
OriginBelleville, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentBass guitar
Years active2001–present
Member of

Michael James Way (born September 10, 1980)[1] is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist of the rock band My Chemical Romance.[1] He also serves as the multi-instrumentalist and backing vocalist of rock duo Electric Century.[2][3] Way co-wrote Collapser with Shaun Simon; it was released in July 2019 on DC Comics.

Early life

Way was born September 10, 1980, in Newark, New Jersey[4] to Donna Lee Way (née Rush) and Donald Way and is of Scottish and Italian ancestry.[5] He was raised in Belleville, New Jersey alongside his older brother Gerard. Growing up, he worked in a Barnes & Noble and later Eyeball Records. Both of these played a major part in the formation of My Chemical Romance. Eyeball signed the band and released their debut record.[1]

The first concert he ever went to was a Smashing Pumpkins concert with his brother. After seeing them perform, Mikey told his brother that "we have to do this." He was asked to join My Chemical Romance, which involved him having to improve his bass skills in the space of a week.[1][6] He has toured with From First To Last.

Music

My Chemical Romance

Main article: My Chemical Romance

Way joined American rock band My Chemical Romance in 2001 as their bassist and suggested the band's name after he read the book Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance.[7] When Way joined the band, he had to improve his bass skills in less than a week.[8] My Chemical Romance released their second album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge on June 8, 2004.[9] My Chemical Romance's third album, The Black Parade, was released on October 24, 2006.[10] My Chemical Romance released their fourth and final studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, on November 22, 2010.[11] While touring for the album, Way collaborated with Squier to release a signature Mikey Way Fender Mustang Bass.[12] In an interview with MusicRadar, Way commented on his signature bass: "I had been sponsored by Fender through most of my time in MCR. I had contacted them about making a custom bass and they hit me back saying they wanted to give me a signature model".[13] The band announced their breakup on March 22, 2013.[14]

On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced they would be reuniting with a date in Los Angeles on December 20 and a new merchandise line.[15] They later announced a 2020 North American tour, as well as dates in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The tour was later postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17]

Electric Century

Mikey Way (left) Dave Debiak (right)

For over a year after the break up of My Chemical Romance, Way remained without a band until he formed Electric Century with Sleep Station vocalist David Debiak.[18] The duo released their first song "I Lied" in February 2014.[19][20] The same month, Electric Century was included in Alternative Press's "100 Bands You Need To Know" list.[20] The magazine mentioned that "I Lied" "forges an alloy of decades-proven electronic pop" comparing it to fun. and Twenty One Pilots.[20] Alternative Press also said that the duo's album was finished and awaiting release later that year.[20] The album was recorded and mixed by D. James Goodwin at The Isokon Studio in Woodstock, New York.[20] In November, Way revealed that he had flown in February to the East Coast to complete the album but instead went to rehab.[21] Way also said the news about Electric Century would be "in the coming months."[21] On January 13, 2015, "Let You Get Away" was made available for streaming.[22] "Let You Get Away" was released as a single on April 3.[23] The band announced their debut self-titled EP on March 10, and was released on Record Store Day on April 18.[24] "Hail the Saints" and "Right There" were released as singles on May 6.[25][26]

Since releasing their debut EP, the band re-entered the studio, and spent much 2015 writing and recording new songs. In January 2016, the duo tweeted on their official Twitter page "2016 is THE year", hinting upcoming releases.[27] They announced their debut album For the Night to Control on February 24, 2016, and was released on March 9, exclusively with that week's edition of Kerrang! Magazine.[28][29] The album was officially released on July 14, 2017.[30] Their self-titled second studio album, produced by My Chemical Romance bandmate Ray Toro, was released February 26, 2021.[31]

Other musical collaborations

In November 2015, Way was featured in Good Charlotte's music video for their first single since their hiatus, "Makeshift Love".[32] He also contributed to Andy Black's debut solo album The Shadow Side, a pseudonym project from Black Veil Brides frontman Andy Biersack.[33][34] Way recorded bass for American pop punk band Waterparks on their Cluster EP,[35] and later joined them on tour with Good Charlotte, including performances at Reading and Leeds festivals.[36] Way was also a special guest DJ at Emo Nite LA's 1st-year anniversary.[37]

Acting

In 2013, Way made his acting debut on The Hub original series The Aquabats! Super Show! in the season two finale "The AntiBats!", playing the lead singer of a fictional death metal band called Asthma. Additionally, Way's brother Gerard co-directed and co-wrote the episode.[38] In 2018, Way debuted as a voice actor by voicing the role of Snarl in the Transformers: Power of the Primes animated series.[39]

Personal life

In March 2007, Way married his first wife, Alicia Simmons.[40] They divorced in 2013.

In 2015, his brother revealed on Reddit that he was a first cousin once removed of popular podcaster Joe Rogan. In October 2019, Rogan confirmed it on his podcast. He also said that despite this, the two have never met.[41]

In February 2016, Way married Kristin Blanford.[42] Together, they have two daughters, born in 2017 and 2019.[43]

Way has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and sobriety. He has been sober since 2014, after entering rehab following an intervention.[44]

Discography

My Chemical Romance

Main articles: My Chemical Romance discography and List of songs recorded by My Chemical Romance

Electric Century

  • Electric Century (2015), EP
  • For the Night to Control (2016)
  • Electric Century (2021)

Guest performances

Bibliography

Story credits

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Mikey Way Bio". AllMusic.
  2. ^ Sherman, Maria (May 24, 2017). "David Debiak & My Chemical Romance's Mikey Way Talk New Project, Electric Century, & Overcoming Addiction". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  3. ^ Whitt, Cassie (November 25, 2014). ""I fell into total darkness." —Mikey Way (Electric Century, My Chemical Romance) on addiction, rehab". altpress. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  4. ^ Ray, Michael. Alternative, Country, Hip-Hop, Rap, and More: Music from the 1980s to Today, p. 87. Britannica Educational Publishing, 2012. ISBN 9781615309108. Accessed November 8, 2017, "The group's original lineup consisted of Way, brother Michael James (Mikey) Way (born September 10, 1980, Newark, New Jersey) on bass, drummer Matt Pelissier, and guitarists Ray Toro (born July 15, 1977, in Kearny, New Jersey) and Frank Iero (born October 31, 1981, in Belleville, New Jersey)."
  5. ^ "My Chemical Romance channel Scottish roots at T In The Park". NME. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  6. ^ "The transformation of My Chemical Romance". EW.
  7. ^ "11 Things You Didn't know about My Chemical Romance". Kerrang!.
  8. ^ Matthew Parker. "Mikey Way talks bass heroes, 'Bowie moments' and his signature Squier". musicradar.com.
  9. ^ Johnny Loftus. "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic.
  10. ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic.
  11. ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine. "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic". AllMusic.
  12. ^ "MIKEY WAY MUSTANG® BASS". Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  13. ^ Parker, Matthew (February 28, 2013). "Mikey Way talks bass heroes, 'Bowie moments' and his signature Squier". MusicRadar. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  14. ^ "My Chemical Romance Break Up". Rolling Stone. March 23, 2013.
  15. ^ "Like Phantoms Forever... Tickets on Sale Friday 11/1/19 at 12:00 PM Pacific". Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2019 – via Instagram.
  16. ^ "Check Out My Chemical Romance's Rescheduled US Tour Dates for 2021". June 16, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020 – via NME.
  17. ^ Campbell, Rachel (April 16, 2021). "My Chemical Romance reschedule tour dates for 2022". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  18. ^ "Mikey Way And David Debiak Announce New Band, Electric Century". Blast Out Your Stereo. Archived from the original on July 4, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  19. ^ "iTunes - Music - I Lied - Single by Electric Century". iTunes. February 26, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Electric Century - "I Lied" (SONG PREMIERE) - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. February 24, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  21. ^ a b "Mikey Way: "I Was Told I Should Never Have Woken Up" - Kerrang!". Kerrang!.
  22. ^ "Mikey Way's Electric Century Stream Second Single - Kerrang!". Kerrang!.
  23. ^ "iTunes - Music - Let You Get Away - Single by Electric Century". iTunes. April 3, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  24. ^ "Electric Century GER on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  25. ^ "iTunes - Music - Hail the Saints - Single by Electric Century". iTunes. May 6, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  26. ^ "iTunes - Music - Right There - Single by Electric Century". iTunes. May 6, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  27. ^ Sharp, Tyler. "Electric Century: "2016 is THE year!"". Alternative Press. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  28. ^ Ryken, Atreyue. "Mikey Way's Electric Century announce debut album". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  29. ^ "MIKEY WAY GIVES AWAY NEW ALBUM EXCLUSIVELY WITH KERRANG!". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  30. ^ "Electric Century premiere "Hey Lacey" and discuss new album—listen". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  31. ^ "Mikey Way and Shaun Simon's new Electric Century album and graphic novel will be released later this month". Upset. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  32. ^ Hingle, James (November 13, 2015). "The New Good Charlotte Music Video Features Mikey Way". Kerrang.com. Kerrang!. Archived from the original on November 13, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  33. ^ Biddulph, Andy. "MIKEY WAY IS ON THE ANDY BLACK ALBUM". RockSound. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  34. ^ Hingle, James. "ANDY BIERSACK JOINED BY MIKEY WAY IN THE STUDIO". Kerrang!. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  35. ^ "5 things you should know about Waterparks before they get big". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  36. ^ "See Waterparks + Mikey Way Play Reading and Leeds Festival". Rock Sound. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  37. ^ Spanos, Brittany. "Mark Hoppus, Chris Carrabba on How Emo Night Vindicated the Scene". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  38. ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (May 22, 2013). "My Chemical Romance Vocalist Gerard Way Co-Writes Episode for Kids' TV Series 'The Aquabats! Super Show!'; Continues to Work on New Music". Yahoo! Music.
  39. ^ "Mikey Way and Mark Hamill team up in 'Transformers: Power of the Primes' trailer". Alternative Press. April 26, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  40. ^ NME (April 23, 2007). "Gerard Way's Brother Leaves My Chemical Romance". NME. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  41. ^ "Joe Rogan and My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way are cousins". NME. October 31, 2019.
  42. ^ Alterock (April 26, 2016). "Ex-MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE's Mikey Way Marries His Fiancée Kristin Colby". AlteRock. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  43. ^ AltPress (June 7, 2019). "Mikey Way and wife Kristin welcome second child". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  44. ^ AltPress (November 25, 2014). ""I FELL INTO TOTAL DARKNESS." —MIKEY WAY (ELECTRIC CENTURY, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE) ON ADDICTION, REHAB". Alternative Press. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  45. ^ "5 things you should know about Waterparks before they get big". altpress. February 9, 2016.
  46. ^ Foxe, Steve (April 10, 2019). "Mikey Way & Shaun Simon Expand on Collapser, Young Animal's Newest Series". Paste Magazine.
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