Bob Bryar, Former My Chemical Romance Drummer, Dies at 44
Bob Bryar, a former My Chemical Romance drummer, has died. He was 44.
According to TMZ, which was the first to report the news, Bryar was found dead at his home in Tennessee on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Law enforcement sources told the outlet the musician was last seen alive on Nov. 4.
A medical examiner is investigating the cause and manner of Bryar’s death, TMZ reported.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a representative for My Chemical Romance said, “The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob’s passing.”
Born in Chicago in 1979, Bryar performed with My Chemical Romance from 2004 until his departure in 2010.
He joined the New Jersey group shortly after the release of their 2004 album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, replacing original drummer Matt Pelissier, according to NME and Kerrang!.
Bryar joining the rock band came after he studied sound engineering at the University of Florida and began working as a sound engineer for Thrice and The Used, eventually striking up a friendship with MCR during their tour with the latter in 2004, per NME.
He would go on to play on the group 2006’s album The Black Parade and work on material for 2010’s Danger Days before his departure, according to Kerrang!.
Following Bryar’s exit, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero wrote on the band’s blog at the time, per NME, “As of four weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours, and expect you all to do the same.”
MCR formed in 2001 and was behind hit songs like “Helena” and the multi-platinum-certified “Welcome to the Black Parade.”
Along with Iero, MCR, which is fronted by Gerard Way, is also made up of Ray Toro and Mikey Way.
The band is set to perform a 10-city stadium tour next year, kicking off in Seattle on July 11.