Singapore fan meets MCR’s Ray Toro at Wisma Atria’s food court, says guitarist was ‘so friendly and approachable’
Coming across a celebrity isn’t exactly a daily occurrence, especially not at a run-of-the-mill food court.
However, one family had a lucky encounter when they stumbled upon My Chemical Romance’s (MCR) guitarist Ray Toto at Wisma Atria.
They even managed to have a quick chat and snag his autograph too.
Image provided by Sam and Pam
Singaporean couple Sam and Pam told MS News about the lovely interaction they had with the band’s lead guitarist, who they bumped into at the Wisma Atria food court on Monday (9 Nov).
Planned to meet MCR, but fate had other plans
The American rock band is in town for their Long Live The Black Parade shows on 10 and 11 Nov at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The show marked their return to Singapore in nearly two decades, with their last show, The Black Parade World Tour on 11 Dec 2007.
Source: @zomgitsashok on Instagram
Like other Singaporean Killjoys, Sam and Pam were eagerly excited to catch a glimpse of the band, even going to ChatGPT to plan ways to meet them up close.
In an exclusive with MS News, Sam shared that he has been an MCR fan for 26 years, with his favourite song being It’s Not A Fashion Statement, It’s a Death Wish.
Initially, the couple asked ChatGPT about where the band might visit in Singapore, hoping to meet them when out shopping.
Source: @impinkfairy on TikTok
Based on the band’s personalities, the bot suggested going to places “associated with alternative music, art, shopping and interesting food”.
Following that, the family intended to have dinner at Lau Par Sat, but headed to Wisma Atria after a heavy rainfall that night.
However, fate had a surprise for them when the family entered the food court and saw MCR’s lead guitarist Ray Toro enjoying his meal.
Source: @mcr_concert_experience on Instagram
Signed a helmet and took photos with the family
Although ecstatic, Sam and Pam noticed Toro and his family were still having their meal, and decided not to approach just yet.
As Toro was about to leave, Pam asked her daughter to walk over, introduce herself, mention her father’s favourite song, and ask the guitarist for a family photo.
Source: @impinkfairy on TikTok
Surprisingly, Toro agreed and went up to the family for a nice chat, even talking to the children as Sam tried to contain his excitement.
Source: @impinkfairy on TikTok
“Ray was so friendly and approachable! Everyone was so excited!” Pam said.
After the chat, Toro even took photos with the family.
Image provided by Sam and Pam
Later, he also signed their son’s skateboard and helmet.
Image provided by Sam and Pam
Netizens envious of their lucky encounter
In response to the couple’s video, netizens were awed and envious of the family’s close-up interaction with the guitarist.
Source: TikTok
Amid the excitement, some netizens questioned the use of artificial intelligence in the planning process.
Source: TikTok
Speaking to MS News, Pam reflected on this once-in-a-lifetime chance and was surprised by how uncanny the timing was.
“Meeting our childhood legend in the most unlikely place! We had been joking all day about bumping into them,” she said.
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Featured image adapted from photos provided by Sam and Pam.