Despite Earlier Reports, My Chemical Romance Weren't Almost Killed

After My Chemical Romance cancelled an appearance at last weekend's Street Scene festival in San Diego, their management released a vague statement about the cause that had fans struggling to fill in some large blanks.

Before long, the internet was awash with stories of the band being involved in a horrific car accident, which may or may not have occurred during an August 3 video shoot. Frontman Gerard Way was said to have broken his ankle, and drummer Bob Bryar had apparently suffered third-degree burns on his hands and legs.

In an effort to clear the air, the band finally released a proper statement on their website, which revealed the true nature of their injuries.

"There are tons of rumors and allegations floating around and we want to clear it all up for you," the statement read. "Here are the facts for you all and please know that none of the injuries sustained were permanent nor intentional and it really proves that sometimes these things happen and every person should truly value what they have.

"Last week, while shooting a new video for our new record, 2 of us sustained some damage more than we normally would have. Gerard tore multiple ligaments in his ankle and Bob received a bad burn to the back of his leg."

The band went on to explain that they had driven to San Diego to prepare for their appearance at Street Scene, but discovered, upon practising, that their injuries were so painful that they couldn't perform. They apologized for missing the show and promised that they would return to San Diego later this year.

Though the band weren't forthcoming about the cause of the injuries, they ruled out the car crash scenario, as well as the influence of supernatural forces.

"So there you have it, there were no car wrecks, monster attacks or alien abductions, but there were serious injuries that required this to be the way," read the statement. "We apologize for it coming down so last minute and never wished it to end up that way."

My Chemical Romance are said to be putting the finishing touches on their latest currently untitled album, which should hit stores on October 24 via Reprise Records.

While putting together the new MCR album, Way has also been hard at work on a solo project, though it's not of a type that most would expect. The artist and longtime comic book aficionado is creating a six-issue series for Dark Horse Comics called The Umbrella Academy.

The mini-series, says Dark Horse in a statement, tells the story of Sir Reginald Hargreeves — a "world-renowned scientist and inventor, intrepid adventurer, successful entrepreneur, champion cricketer and closet space alien," and his family of abnormal superheroes.

"Umbrella Academy is the story of seven extraordinary, maladjusted individuals, their triumphs, tragedies, failures and disappointments," the statement reads. "Most importantly, it's about a family of superhumans who need to learn to get past their spectacularly dysfunctional childhoods to defeat the Conductor and his evil Black Orchestra and do what they were born to: save the world."

No publication date has been set for the first issue in the series, but it likely won't see the light of day until mid-2007.