Jack Black Delivers a Hilarious Reggae Spin on My Chemical Romance’s Classic on SNL
Jack Black showcased his comedic talents during his recent hosting stint on Saturday Night Live on April 5, where he brought an unexpected twist to a well-loved My Chemical Romance (MCR) song. The actor and comedian performed a reggae version of the band’s iconic 2006 track, “Welcome to the Black Parade,” delighting fans with his playful reinterpretation.
Sketch Overview: “Goth Kid on Vacation”
The nearly three-minute sketch, titled “Goth Kid on Vacation,” features SNL cast members Kenan Thompson and Ego Nwodim as members of a fictional Jamaican reggae band. The premise revolves around how these musicians find humor in the goth kids visiting their sunny locale.
As part of the comedic act, Thompson and Nwodim sing:
“When there is war and struggle and pain/ How do we fill our souls with joy again? / We look and we laugh at goth kid on vacation.”
Character Depiction and Performance
The sketch features a stereotypical goth teenager, played by Michael Longfellow, who embodies the classic goth aesthetic—dressed in black with an emo hairstyle. Viewers see him engaging in various activities that humorously contrast with his dark persona: playing Magic: The Gathering, strolling along the beach clad in a heavy leather jacket and combat boots, and expressing exasperation after being hit by a beach ball while attempting to paint his nails.
At the midpoint of the pre-recorded segment, Jack Black enters, bringing his unique energy to the performance. He dons an outfit reminiscent of MCR’s lead singer, Gerard Way, and begins to rework the lyrics of “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Incorporating a reggae sound, Black sings:
“When I was a young boy, my parents took me down to Jamaica for my high school spring break. They said come to the pool, but I stayed in the room with my graphic novels so I could mastur—-.”
Featured Musical Guests
In addition to Black’s skit, the episode presented musical performances by legendary artists Elton John and Brandi Carlile. They performed selected tracks from their new collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, including “Little Richard’s Bible” and the title track.
Where to Watch
Fans can enjoy the “Goth Kid on Vacation” sketch and the entire episode of Saturday Night Live, which is available for streaming on Peacock. Subscribing to the service also offers access to previous episodes of the iconic show.