My Chemical Romance has shared a statement marking the 20th anniversary of the band's creation.

Gerard Way co-founded MCR on September 12, 2001. That, of course, was the day after the terrorist attacks of September 11, which had a profound impact on Way.

"Starting My Chem was a direct result of everything we experienced and witnessed during those horrific events," MCR's statement reads. "The world changed that day, and the next day we set about trying to change the world.⁣"

The post continues, "On this monumental anniversary let us all think about those we lost that day and the days since. Keep those loved ones close and their memories alive by thinking, 'What would they have wanted us to be doing today?'...We have found that when in doubt, love is and always will be the answer."

After forming on that fateful day, My Chemical Romance released four albums, sold out countless shows and inspired innumerable fans with their mission of love before breaking up in 2013. In 2019, they announced their reunion with a planned tour for 2020, which has since been postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Thank you for showing us love and for walking by our side these past 20 years," My Chem says. "We truly are stronger together and thankful you are here with us."

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