Gerard Way has learnt to be a "simple person" since My Chemical Romance.
The American rocker fronted the emo band from 2001 until last year, when he and members Frank Iero, Ray Toro, Bob Bryar and Mikey Way went their separate ways. Since then Gerard has launched a successful solo career and is a lot more relaxed overall.
"In the past, my stresses and hang-ups about My Chemical Romance came from within. I had built my own prison, but I've completely changed my frame of mind since then," he explained to Rocksound. "I've realised that not everything needs to be complex, that I'm actually a very simple person. All I need in my life are my family and the ability to make art. If I can keep the lights on at the same time, great!"
Gerard, who has five-year-old daughter Bandit with his wife Lyn-Z, released his debut solo album Hesitant Alien earlier this year and performed at festivals including England's Reading & Leeds over the summer. He cites recording his own music as helping recover "balance" in his life and getting him back to a healthy mentality, allowing him to restart his creative life.
"The first shows [alone] were a departure for me, but completely natural. I wasn't worried about trying to match the aggression of MCR, and I certainly didn't stress over convincing people to come along for the ride," he explained. "As a frontperson you've got to get that across to people, that sense of 'you will like this band', and I don't need to do it anymore. Like I said, it's all been a lot simpler, and I'm happy about that."
