Steph, I would say that they're pretty sincere about TBP, but also self-aware enough to recognize it as totally over the top. The stage shows for it had fire and tickertape, for crying out loud.
Don't forget the hospital bed and IV drip.
I think they as a band are totally self-aware of how over-the-top they go (football jackets and gym shorts in Texas, anyone?), but they also enjoy that part. Partially as a way to communicate, and partially as a freeing act, both for themselves and for their fans.
Just for references sake, from Wikipedia:
To take the piss is a British slang expression meaning to tease or ridicule.
My bad.
I'm a dumbass and didn't mean to insult MCR or their fans.
I just meant that they don't seem to take themselves deadly seriously, like grim joyless humor-devoid assmunches, whatever slang phrase applies to that. (Probably something like, "Being Teppy.")
You totally didn't, Tep. Insult anyone, I mean.
Steph, Gerard Way himself has referred to his band as "razzle dazzle cupcakes." You'd have to try a lot harder to insult them than just calling them campy and melodramatic.
I didn't feel insulted even when misunderstood you! But I wanted you to know that MCR wasn't mocking their audience is all... (which you didn't think, anyhoo)
I think we're nearing the moment for a group hug. Gerard would approve!
I need a slang dictionary, is what I think.
At least I didn't call them "real cool cats." (Because *that* would be embarassing, daddy-o!)
Twenty-three, skidoo! Tep is the bee's knees, man.
