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"Getting Down the Germs" is a solo track by Gerard Way, released as a single on October 26, 2018. The song was written in collaboration with Ray Toro. 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 stated the song was a "stripped-down, feel-good song reminiscent of ’60s psychedelic music and new school indie rock." Billboard 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

• Gerard Way – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar
• Matt Gorney – bass guitar
• Ian Fowles – lead guitar
• James Dewees – keyboards
• Tom Rasulo – drums, percussion
• Sara Andon – flute

References

1. "Gerard Way Drops New Solo Single, Getting Down The Germs — Kerrang!". Kerrang!. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
2. "Gerard Way recruits Ray Toro on "Getting Down The Germs"". Alternative Press. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
3. "Gerard Way shares catchy new track 'Getting Down The Germs' written with My Chemical Romance bandmate Ray Toro". NME. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
4. ^ "Gerard Way Reunites With Ray Toro on 'Getting Down The Germs' | iHeartRadio". iHeartRadio. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
5. "Gerard Way Drops New Single 'Getting Down The Germs' - News - Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
6. Leimkuehler, Matthew. "Gerard Way Explains Why He's Not Overthinking His New Music". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
7. "Half of My Chemical Romance Wrote a New Song Together - Listen". Loudwire. Retrieved 2018-11-16.
8. "Gerard Way Is 'Getting Down the Germs' With Infectious New Single: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-11-17.
9. "Check out Gerard Way's laid-back new track Getting Down The Germs". loudersound. Retrieved 2018-11-17.

• 2018 singles
• Gerard Way songs
• Songs written by Gerard Way
• Songs written by Ray Toro
• 2018 songs
• Reprise Records singles