"Getting Down the Germs" is a solo track by

Gerard Way Gerard Arthur Way (born April 9, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and comic book writer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Rock music, rock band My Chemical Romance. He released his debut solo album, ''Hesitan ...

, released as a single on November 15, 2018. The song was written in collaboration with

Ray Toro Raymond Toro (born July 15, 1977) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the band My Chemical Romance. Early life Toro was born July 15, 1977, in Kearny, New ...

. Flutist Sara Andon and producer Doug McKean are also listed as collaborators.

Background

In a statement Way said, “I had really been wanting a song that featured the flute prominently for quite some time. It sits in there perfectly, like it was made to pay the song a visit. The whole song reminds me of wiggling squiggling wormy germs. It’s a very calm affair that shows a peek into where I may be heading musically.” In an interview Way explained, "‘Getting Down The Germs’ means getting down, or swallowing the harder things in life. But in a positive way — taking the bad with the good. I find it interesting how a phrase can mean a whole other thing in the context of a song."

Critical reception

Graham Hartman of ''

Loudwire ''Loudwire'' is an American online media magazine that covers news of hard rock and heavy metal artists. It is owned by media and entertainment business Townsquare Media. Since its launch in August 2011, ''Loudwire'' has secured exclusive i ...

'' stated the song was a "stripped-down, feel-good song reminiscent of ’60s psychedelic music and new school indie rock." ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

'' released a review on Friday stating Way "stays true to his punk rock roots", while giving the listener tastes of "the great rock-music flute solos of the '60s and '70s".

Music video

The lyric video, directed by Claire Marie Vogel, was released on November 15, 2018. It shows puppets fashioned as germs dancing to the song.

Personnel

– lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar * Matt Gorney – bass guitar *

Ian Fowles Ian Fowles is an American musician, author, and actor, best known as the current guitarist for the Orange County rock band The Aquabats, in which he performs under the stage name and persona of EagleBones Falconhawk (originally Eagle "Bones" Fal ...

– lead guitar *

James Dewees James Matthew Dewees (born March 13, 1976) is an American musician best known for his work with The Get Up Kids, Reggie and the Full Effect and My Chemical Romance. He has also been involved in other musical projects including New Found Glory, ...

– keyboards * Tom Rasulo – drums, percussion * Sara Andon – flute

References

{{authority control 2018 singles Gerard Way songs Songs written by Gerard Way Songs written by Ray Toro 2018 songs Reprise Records singles