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{{Not to be confused|Mikey Day|Milkie Way}}
{{short description|American musician (born 1980)}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Mikey Way
| image = Mikey Way East Scene.jpg
| caption = Way performing in 2011
| birth_name = Michael James Way
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|9|10}}
| birth_place = [[Newark, New Jersey]], U.S.
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Alicia Simmons|2007|2013|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|Kristin Blanford|2016}}
}}
| children = 2
| relatives = {{plainlist|
* [[Gerard Way]] (brother)
* [[Joe Rogan]] (first cousin once removed)
}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* songwriter
}}
| years_active = 2001–present
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = [[Belleville, New Jersey]], U.S.
| instrument = Bass guitar
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Alternative rock]]
* [[emo]]
* {{nowrap|[[pop-punk]]}}
* [[post-hardcore]]
* {{nowrap|[[punk rock]]}}
* {{nowrap|[[hard rock]]}}
* [[electropop]]
}}
| current_member_of = {{flatlist|
* [[My Chemical Romance]]
* {{nowrap|Electric Century}}
}}
| website =
}}
}}
'''Michael James Way''' (born September 10, 1980)<ref name="Mikey Way Bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mikey-way-mn0001908406|title=Mikey Way Bio|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist of the rock band [[My Chemical Romance]].<ref name="Mikey Way Bio"/> He also serves as the multi-instrumentalist and backing vocalist of rock duo Electric Century.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Maria|last=Sherman|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7808534/electric-century-mikey-way-david-debiak-interview-my-chemical-romance|title=David Debiak & My Chemical Romance's Mikey Way Talk New Project, Electric Century, & Overcoming Addiction|magazine=Billboard|date=May 24, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Cassie|last=Whitt|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/mikey_way_addiction_rehab_treatment_my_chemical_romance_electric_century|title="I fell into total darkness." —Mikey Way (Electric Century, My Chemical Romance) on addiction, rehab|publisher=altpress|date=November 25, 2014|access-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref> Way co-wrote ''Collapser'' with [[Shaun Simon]]; it was released in July 2019 on [[DC Comics]]. In 2024, Way cowrote ''Christmas 365'' with Jonathan Rivera, published under [[Dark Horse Comics]].
== Early life ==
Way was born September 10, 1980, in [[Newark, New Jersey]]<ref>Ray, Michael. [https://books.google.com/books?id=WfGcAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT87 ''Alternative, Country, Hip-Hop, Rap, and More: Music from the 1980s to Today''], p. 87. [[Britannica Educational Publishing]], 2012. {{ISBN|9781615309108}}. Accessed November 8, 2017, "The group's original lineup consisted of Way, brother Michael James (Mikey) Way (born September 10, 1980, Newark, New Jersey) on bass, drummer Matt Pelissier, and guitarists Ray Toro (born July 15, 1977, in Kearny, New Jersey) and Frank Iero (born October 31, 1981, in Belleville, New Jersey)."</ref> to Donna Lee Way (née Rush) and Donald Way and is of Scottish and Italian ancestry.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/news/my-chemical-romance/57912 |title=My Chemical Romance channel Scottish roots at T In The Park|magazine=NME |access-date=December 11, 2013}}</ref> He was raised in [[Belleville, New Jersey]] alongside his older brother [[Gerard Way|Gerard]]. Growing up, he worked in a [[Barnes & Noble]] and later [[Eyeball Records]]. Both of these played a major part in the formation of My Chemical Romance. Eyeball signed the band and released their debut record.<ref name="Mikey Way Bio"/>
The first concert he ever went to was a [[The Smashing Pumpkins|Smashing Pumpkins]] concert with his brother. After seeing them perform, Mikey told his brother that "we have to do this." He was asked to join My Chemical Romance, which involved him having to improve his bass skills in the space of a week.<ref name="Mikey Way Bio"/><ref name="EW">{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2006/12/01/transformation-my-chemical-romance/|title=The transformation of My Chemical Romance|publisher=EW}}</ref>
== Music ==
=== My Chemical Romance ===
{{Main|My Chemical Romance}}
Way joined American rock band [[My Chemical Romance]] in 2001 as their bassist and suggested the band's name after he read the book ''[[Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/8181/11-things-didnt-know-chemical-romance/|title=11 Things You Didn't know about My Chemical Romance|work=Kerrang! |date=January 2, 2017 }}</ref> When Way joined the band, he had to improve his bass skills in less than a week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/us/news/bass/mikey-way-talks-bass-heroes-bowie-moments-and-his-signature-squier-571416|title=Mikey Way talks bass heroes, 'Bowie moments' and his signature Squier|author=Matthew Parker|work=musicradar.com}}</ref> My Chemical Romance released their second album ''[[Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge]]'' on June 8, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/three-cheers-for-sweet-revenge-mw0000738265|title=Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic|author=Johnny Loftus|work=AllMusic}}</ref> My Chemical Romance's third album, ''[[The Black Parade]]'', was released on October 24, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-black-parade-mw0000563300|title=The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|work=AllMusic}}</ref> My Chemical Romance released their fourth and final studio album, ''[[Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys]]'', on November 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/danger-days-the-true-lives-of-the-fabulous-killjoys-mw0002057761|title=Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys - My Chemical Romance - Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards - AllMusic|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|work=AllMusic}}</ref> While touring for the album, Way collaborated with [[Squier]] to release a signature Mikey Way [[Fender Mustang Bass]].<ref>{{cite web|title=MIKEY WAY MUSTANG® BASS|url=http://www.fender.com/squier/basses/mustang/mikey-way-mustang-bass/0301082517.html|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[MusicRadar]]'', Way commented on his signature bass: "I had been sponsored by Fender through most of my time in MCR. I had contacted them about making a custom bass and they hit me back saying they wanted to give me a signature model".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parker|first1=Matthew|title=Mikey Way talks bass heroes, 'Bowie moments' and his signature Squier|date=February 28, 2013|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/bass/mikey-way-talks-bass-heroes-bowie-moments-and-his-signature-squier-571416|publisher=[[MusicRadar]]|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> The band announced their breakup on March 22, 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/my-chemical-romance-break-up-20130323|title=My Chemical Romance Break Up|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 23, 2013}}</ref>
On October 31, 2019, My Chemical Romance announced they would be reuniting with a date in [[Los Angeles]] on December 20 and a new merchandise line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SyPJKBvAr/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B4SyPJKBvAr |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=Like Phantoms Forever... Tickets on Sale Friday 11/1/19 at 12:00 PM Pacific|via=[[Instagram]]|access-date=October 31, 2019}}{{cbignore}} </ref> They later announced a 2020 North American tour, as well as dates in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The tour was later postponed to 2022 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/my-chemical-romance-reschedule-us-reunion-tour-for-2021-2689583|title=Check Out My Chemical Romance's Rescheduled US Tour Dates for 2021|date=June 16, 2020|via=[[NME]]|access-date=July 14, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rachel|date=2021-04-16|title=My Chemical Romance reschedule tour dates for 2022|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/my-chemical-romance-rescheduled-tour-dates-2022/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Electric Century ===
[[File:ElectricCentury-2014.jpg|thumb|Mikey Way (left) Dave Debiak (right)]]
For over a year after the break up of My Chemical Romance, Way remained without a band until he formed Electric Century with [[Sleep Station]] vocalist David Debiak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blastoutyourstereo.com/music/music-news/mikey-way-and-david-debiak-announce-new-band-electric-century-8246|title=Mikey Way And David Debiak Announce New Band, Electric Century|work=Blast Out Your Stereo|access-date=19 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704140203/http://blastoutyourstereo.com/music/music-news/mikey-way-and-david-debiak-announce-new-band-electric-century-8246|archive-date=July 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The duo released their first song "I Lied" in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-lied-single/827912893|title=iTunes - Music - I Lied - Single by Electric Century|work=iTunes|date=February 26, 2014|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=AltPILied>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/electric_century_i_lied_song_premiere|title=Electric Century - "I Lied" (SONG PREMIERE) - Alternative Press|work=Alternative Press|date=February 24, 2014|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref> The same month, Electric Century was included in ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]''{{'s}} "100 Bands You Need To Know" list.<ref name=AltPILied/> The magazine mentioned that "I Lied" "forges an alloy of decades-proven [[Electropop|electronic pop]]" comparing it to [[Fun (band)|fun.]] and [[Twenty One Pilots]].<ref name=AltPILied/> ''Alternative Press'' also said that the duo's album was finished and awaiting release later that year.<ref name=AltPILied/> The album was recorded and mixed by D. James Goodwin at The Isokon Studio in Woodstock, New York.<ref name=AltPILied/> In November, Way revealed that he had flown in February to the East Coast to complete the album but instead went to rehab.<ref name=WayNovember>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/25523/mikey-way-told-never-woken/|title=Mikey Way: "I Was Told I Should Never Have Woken Up" - Kerrang!|work=Kerrang! |date=November 26, 2014 }}</ref> Way also said the news about Electric Century would be "in the coming months."<ref name=WayNovember/> On January 13, 2015, "Let You Get Away" was made available for streaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/27099/mikey-ways-electric-century-stream-second-single/|title=Mikey Way's Electric Century Stream Second Single - Kerrang!|work=Kerrang! |date=January 13, 2015 }}</ref> "Let You Get Away" was released as a single on April 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-you-get-away-single/986801290|title=iTunes - Music - Let You Get Away - Single by Electric Century|work=iTunes|date=April 3, 2015|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref> The band announced their debut [[Electric Century (EP)|self-titled EP]] on March 10, and was released on [[Record Store Day]] on April 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ECenturyGER/status/575378211372060672|title=Electric Century GER on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref> "Hail the Saints" and "Right There" were released as singles on May 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/hail-the-saints-single/991902593|title=iTunes - Music - Hail the Saints - Single by Electric Century|work=iTunes|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/right-there-single/991911554|title=iTunes - Music - Right There - Single by Electric Century|work=iTunes|date=May 6, 2015|access-date=19 May 2015}}</ref>
Since releasing their debut EP, the band re-entered the studio, and spent much 2015 writing and recording new songs. In January 2016, the duo tweeted on their official Twitter page "2016 is THE year", hinting upcoming releases.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Sharp|first1=Tyler|title=Electric Century: "2016 is THE year!"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/electric_century_2016_is_the_year|magazine=Alternative Press|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> They announced their debut album ''For the Night to Control'' on February 24, 2016, and was released on March 9, exclusively with that week's edition of ''[[Kerrang!]]'' Magazine.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Ryken|first1=Atreyue|title=Mikey Way's Electric Century announce debut album|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/mikey_ways_electric_century_announce_debut_album|magazine=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=MIKEY WAY GIVES AWAY NEW ALBUM EXCLUSIVELY WITH KERRANG!|url=http://www.kerrang.com/40994/mikey-way-gives-away-new-album-exclusively-with-kerrang/|magazine=[[Kerrang!]]|access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref> The album was officially released on July 14, 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Electric Century premiere "Hey Lacey" and discuss new album—listen|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/electric_century_interview_hey_lacey_premiere|magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref> Their self-titled second studio album, produced by My Chemical Romance bandmate [[Ray Toro]], was released February 26, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mikey Way and Shaun Simon's new Electric Century album and graphic novel will be released later this month|url=https://www.upsetmagazine.com/news/electric-century-album-two|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Upset|language=en}}</ref>
=== Other musical collaborations ===
Way toured with [[From First to Last]] in 2005 following the departure of the band’s bassist Jon Weisburg.<ref>{{cite web |title=from first to last with mikey way |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03sj1qMAseM |website=YouTube |access-date=28 March 2025 |date=28 December 2005}}</ref> In November 2015, Way was featured in [[Good Charlotte]]'s music video for their first single since their hiatus, "Makeshift Love".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hingle|first1=James|title=The New Good Charlotte Music Video Features Mikey Way|url=http://www.kerrang.com/37841/the-new-good-charlotte-video-features-mikey-way/|website=Kerrang.com|publisher=Kerrang!|access-date=13 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113165959/http://www.kerrang.com/37841/the-new-good-charlotte-video-features-mikey-way/|archive-date=November 13, 2015 |date=13 November 2015}}</ref> He also contributed to Andy Black's debut solo album ''[[The Shadow Side]]'', a pseudonym project from [[Black Veil Brides]] frontman [[Andy Biersack]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Biddulph|first1=Andy|title=MIKEY WAY IS ON THE ANDY BLACK ALBUM|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/mikey-way-is-on-the-andy-black-album|magazine=RockSound|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hingle|first1=James|title=ANDY BIERSACK JOINED BY MIKEY WAY IN THE STUDIO|url=http://www.kerrang.com/37932/andy-biersack-joined-by-mikey-way-in-the-studio/|magazine=[[Kerrang!]]|access-date=22 January 2016}}</ref> Way recorded bass for American pop punk band [[Waterparks (band)|Waterparks]] on their ''Cluster'' EP,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=5 things you should know about Waterparks before they get big|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/5_things_you_should_know_about_waterparks|magazine=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=26 October 2016}}</ref> and later joined them on tour with Good Charlotte, including performances at [[Reading and Leeds festivals]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=See Waterparks + Mikey Way Play Reading and Leeds Festival|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/photos/view/see-waterparks-mikey-way-play-reading-festival|magazine=[[Rock Sound]]|access-date=26 October 2016}}</ref> Way was also a special guest DJ at Emo Nite LA's 1st-year anniversary.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Spanos |first1=Brittany |title=Mark Hoppus, Chris Carrabba on How Emo Night Vindicated the Scene |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/mark-hoppus-chris-carrabba-on-how-emo-night-vindicated-the-scene-20151123 |access-date=26 June 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
==
In 2013, Way made his acting debut on [[The Hub (TV channel)|The Hub]] original series ''[[The Aquabats! Super Show!]]'' in the season two finale "The AntiBats!", playing the lead singer of a fictional [[death metal]] band called Asthma. Additionally, Way's brother Gerard co-directed and co-wrote the episode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/chemical-romance-vocalist-gerard-way-co-writes-episode-190859345.html |title=My Chemical Romance Vocalist Gerard Way Co-Writes Episode for Kids' TV Series 'The Aquabats! Super Show!'; Continues to Work on New Music |date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |author=Wiederhorn, Jon}}</ref> In 2018, Way debuted as a voice actor by voicing the role of [[Snarl (Transformers)|Snarl]] in the ''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes]]'' animated series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mikey Way and Mark Hamill team up in 'Transformers: Power of the Primes' trailer|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/mike_way_mark_hamill_transformers_power_of_the_primes_trailer|website=Alternative Press|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>
==Personal life==
In March 2007, Way married his first wife, Alicia Simmons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=NME|date=2007-04-23|title=Gerard Way's Brother Leaves My Chemical Romance|url= https://www.nme.com/news/music/my-chemical-romance-145-1352258 |access-date=2021-11-13|website=NME|language=en-US}}</ref> They divorced in 2013.
In 2015, [[Gerard Way|his brother]] revealed on [[Reddit]] that he was a first cousin once removed of popular podcaster [[Joe Rogan]]. In October 2019, Rogan confirmed it on his podcast. He also said that despite this, the two have never met.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/joe-rogan-is-cousins-with-my-chemical-romances-gerard-way-2562971|title=Joe Rogan and My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way are cousins|website=[[NME]]|date=October 31, 2019}}</ref>
In February 2016, Way married Kristin Blanford.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alterock|date=2016-04-26|title=Ex-MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE's Mikey Way Marries His Fiancée Kristin Colby|url=https://alterock.net/mikey-way-married/|access-date=2021-04-16|website=AlteRock|language=en-US}}</ref> Together, they have two daughters, born in 2017 and 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=AltPress|date=2019-06-07|title=Mikey Way and wife Kristin welcome second child|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/mikey-way-daughter-kennedy-james-way/|access-date=2021-04-16|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Way has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and sobriety. He has been sober since 2014, after entering rehab following an intervention.<ref>{{Cite web|last=AltPress|date=2014-11-25|title="I FELL INTO TOTAL DARKNESS." —MIKEY WAY (ELECTRIC CENTURY, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE) ON ADDICTION, REHAB|url= https://www.altpress.com/news/mikey_way_addiction_rehab_treatment_my_chemical_romance_electric_century/ |access-date=2021-11-13|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Discography ==
'''My Chemical Romance'''
{{Main|My Chemical Romance discography|List of songs recorded by 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)<ref name="Mikey Way Bio"/>
'''Electric Century'''
* ''Electric Century'' (2015), EP
* ''For the Night to Control'' (2016)
* ''Electric Century'' (2021)
'''Guest performances'''
* ''[[The Shadow Side]]'' (by [[Andy Biersack|Andy Black]], 2016)<ref name="Mikey Way Bio"/>
* ''Cluster'' (by [[Waterparks (band)|Waterparks]], 2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/5_things_you_should_know_about_waterparks|title=5 things you should know about Waterparks before they get big|date=February 9, 2016|publisher=altpress}}</ref>
== Bibliography ==
;Story credits
* ''Collapser'' (co-written with [[Shaun Simon]], art by [[Ilias Kyriazis]], [[DC Comics]], 2019–present)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Foxe|first1=Steve|title=Mikey Way & Shaun Simon Expand on Collapser, Young Animal's Newest Series |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/comics/young-animal/mikey-way-shaun-simon-expand-on-collapser-young-an/|work=Paste Magazine|date=April 10, 2019}}</ref>
* ''Christmas 365'' (co-written with Jonathan Rivera, art by Piotr Kowalski, [[Dark Horse Comics]], Dec. 2024 - Mar. 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=Christmas 365 #1 |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/3015-528/Christmas-365-1 |website=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=28 March 2025}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{cc}}
*[http://www.mychemicalromance.com/ My Chemical Romance official website]
*{{iMDb name|2427904}}
{{My Chemical Romance}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Way, Mikey}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American musicians]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:American rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American male bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:My Chemical Romance members]]
[[Category:Musicians from Newark, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Songwriters from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Belleville High School (New Jersey) alumni]]
[[Category:Guitarists from New Jersey]]
[[Category:21st-century American bass guitarists]]
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