A far cry from the sound of leather hitting wood to gentle applause, Sophia Gardens cricket ground is the setting for the emo gathering of the year as My Chemical Romance, one of the genre’s most successful bands hit Cardiff for a night that promises to live long in the memory. The logistical nightmare of Ed Sheeran playing to another packed-out Principality Stadium, just a short walk away, has done nothing to deter throngs of creatively dressed individuals – some probably there for MCR’s first wave of popularity in the early 2000s, through to kids who are clearly excited at the prospect of their first rock gig. It’s a heartwarming picture that proves Gerard Way and the boys have successfully transcended generations.

The main support for the evening is south Wales’ very own post-punk emo heroes Funeral For A Friend, who also found themselves part of that successful wave of bands in the mid-00s and beyond. The band bound on to a rapturous ovation from the Cardiff crowd and eased into their set with the anthemic Into Oblivion. Sadly, it becomes apparent that the normally faultless Matt Davies-Kreye is struggling with his voice today. But, being the consummate professionals they are, they battle on regardless with an enthusiastic set that reads like an FFAF greatest hits tracklist, belters like Juneau, Streetcar and Roses For The Dead all given an outing.

As the punters enjoy the festival atmosphere in the arena, with its many food amenities circling the outskirts, the excitement in the crowd is palpable. There’s a huge roar as the New Jersey emo heroes hit the stage and Way immediately takes a pen to the drum kit, scrawling the message “Sit-Stay-Beg” on it. I’m sure this has a deeper meaning, which has gone straight over my head, but I digress.

Newest single The Foundations Of Decay opens the set before MCR go back 20 years for Thank You For The Venom. By the time third track Bulletproof Heart kicks in, there are full-blown moshpits breaking out all over the place, and those not involved are screaming every single lyric back at the band. The band, old hands at this rock star business, use every inch of the stage, with guitarists Ray Torro and Frank Iero frequently trading places, while bassist Mikey Way makes use of the drum riser every now and then.

The only thing that interrupts the energy of the crowd – temporarily – is a slightly embarrassing curtain mishap, but once those drapes are opened again, it’s a full-on emo assault: Teenagers, Helena and Welcome To The Black Parade get the rousing reception you would expect of anthems like these. MCR tease their goodbyes with Sleep but the band return to the stage with one last attack on the crowd’s already shredded vocal cords, with I’m Not Okay (I Promise) stealing every last drop of energy and emotion from the crowd.

There are actual tears as people leave the arena and a genuine buzz in the crowd that they’ve just been part of something special. They’ve not visited south Wales in some 11 years, but on tonight’s evidence – and in My Chemical Romance’s case – perhaps absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Sat 28 May

words CHRIS ANDREWS photos HANNAH NICOLSON-TOTTLE