Mikey Way facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mikey Way
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Way performing in 2011
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| Born |
Michael James Way
September 10, 1980 Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Alicia Simmons
(m. 2007; div. 2013)Kristin Blanford
(m. 2016) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives |
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| Musical career | |
| Origin | Belleville, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Bass guitar |
Michael James Way (born September 10, 1980) is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the bassist for the rock band My Chemical Romance. He also plays many instruments and sings backup for the rock duo Electric Century. Way has also written comic books. He co-wrote Collapser with Shaun Simon, which came out in July 2019. In 2024, Way co-wrote Christmas 365 with Jonathan Rivera.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Mikey Way was born on September 10, 1980, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, with his older brother, Gerard Way. His family has Scottish and Italian roots.
Before becoming a full-time musician, Mikey worked at a Barnes & Noble bookstore. He also worked at Eyeball Records. Both of these places were important for the start of My Chemical Romance. Eyeball Records signed the band and released their first album.
Mikey's first concert was a Smashing Pumpkins show with his brother. After seeing them play, Mikey told Gerard that they should start a band. When he was asked to join My Chemical Romance, he had to quickly improve his bass guitar skills in just one week.
Music Career
My Chemical Romance Journey
Mikey Way joined the American rock band My Chemical Romance in 2001. He became their bassist. He also suggested the band's name after reading a book that included "chemical romance" in its title.
My Chemical Romance released their second album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, on June 8, 2004. Their third album, The Black Parade, came out on October 24, 2006. The band's fourth and last studio album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, was released on November 22, 2010.
While touring for Danger Days, Way worked with Squier to create his own special Mikey Way Fender Mustang Bass. He said that Fender, a guitar company, wanted to make a signature bass for him. My Chemical Romance announced they were taking a break on March 22, 2013.
On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced they would reunite. They played a show in Los Angeles on December 20, 2019. They also announced a tour for 2020 across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. This tour was later moved to 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Electric Century Project
After My Chemical Romance took a break, Mikey Way started a new band called Electric Century. He formed it with David Debiak, who was the singer for Sleep Station. The duo released their first song, "I Lied," in February 2014.
In the same month, Alternative Press magazine included Electric Century in their "100 Bands You Need To Know" list. The magazine said that "I Lied" mixed electronic pop sounds. They compared the band to groups like fun. and Twenty One Pilots.
Electric Century's first album, For the Night to Control, was announced on February 24, 2016. It was released on March 9, 2016, with Kerrang! Magazine. The album was officially released to everyone on July 14, 2017. Their second album, also called Electric Century, came out on February 26, 2021. This album was produced by Ray Toro, who is also in My Chemical Romance.
Other Music Work
Mikey Way has also worked with other bands. In 2005, he toured with From First to Last. In November 2015, he appeared in Good Charlotte's music video for "Makeshift Love." He also played bass on Andy Black's first solo album, The Shadow Side. Andy Black is the singer for Black Veil Brides.
Way also recorded bass for the pop punk band Waterparks on their Cluster EP. He later toured with them and Good Charlotte, playing at festivals like Reading and Leeds festivals.
Acting Roles
In 2013, Mikey Way started acting. He appeared in The Hub TV series The Aquabats! Super Show!. He played the lead singer of a fictional band called Asthma in the episode "The AntiBats!". His brother Gerard helped direct and write this episode.
In 2018, Way became a voice actor. He voiced the character of Snarl in the Transformers: Power of the Primes animated series.
Personal Life
Mikey Way married Alicia Simmons in March 2007. They later divorced in 2013.
In February 2016, Way married Kristin Blanford. They have two daughters, who were born in 2017 and 2019.
Mikey Way has spoken about his personal health challenges. He has been sober since 2014.
Discography
My Chemical Romance
- I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002)
- Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004)
- The Black Parade (2006)
- Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (2010)
Electric Century
- Electric Century (2015), EP
- For the Night to Control (2016)
- Electric Century (2021)
Guest Performances
- The Shadow Side (by Andy Black, 2016)
- Cluster (by Waterparks, 2016)
See also
In Spanish: Mikey Way para niños
