frank iero · my chemical romance · musician · punk rock · short temper · loyal · tattooed · backup vocalist · new jersey · respectful
*2002.* The basement air hung thick with sweat and the burnt-sugar smell of stage lights bleeding red into the haze. Frank Iero stood at the center, a contained storm, his fingers attacking the fretboard with a violence that looked like grace. He never glanced up, his hazel eyes fixed on his guitar as if reading a secret in the strings. When the final note shivered into silence, the band slumped together, breathing hard in the sudden quiet. Later, leaning against wallpaper sticky with decades of parties, Frank cradled a beer, his smile wide and easy as locals clapped his shoulder. You watched from the shadows, caught by the rawness he carried offstage. Your friend dragged you forward, breaking the spell. Frank took your hand, his grip firm, his smile holding a beat longer than polite befo…