Bob Bryar, the drummer for My Chemical Romance, has passed away at the age of 44.
TMZ reports that Bryar was found dead at his home in Tennessee on Tuesday, with his last known sighting on November 4. While the cause of death remains unclear, authorities do not suspect foul play. An autopsy will be conducted by a medical examiner to determine the exact cause.
Bryar was the last official drummer for My Chemical Romance, playing with the band from 2004 until 2010, during their rise to fame in the mid-2000s. He joined the band after meeting Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Mikey Way, and Frank Iero while working as a sound technician on a tour with The Used, with whom My Chemical Romance was touring at the time. Bryar replaced the band’s original drummer, Matt Pelissier, after the release of their second album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.
According to Billboard, Bryar was invited to join the band in mid-2004, even before they had heard him play drums. He later toured with the band during the recording of their critically acclaimed third album, The Black Parade. During his time with the band, Bryar faced several health challenges, including suffering third-degree burns while shooting the music video for “Famous Last Words,” a shoot during which Gerard Way also sustained a serious injury, resulting in the cancellation of tour dates.
In 2007, Bryar began experiencing severe wrist problems and shared with his MySpace followers that he had developed a painful, golf ball-sized lump on his wrist, which caused him to lose feeling and control in his fingers.
After the release of Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys in 2010, Bryar left My Chemical Romance. His departure was officially announced on the band’s website by guitarist Frank Iero, who described the decision as difficult and painful, wishing Bryar success in his future endeavors.
Bryar walked away from the music industry in 2014, auctioning off My Chemical Romance memorabilia to support animal rescue charities. He later announced on Twitter that he was leaving music behind to pursue a career in real estate.
Though My Chemical Romance is scheduled to perform in 2024 for The Black Parade anniversary tour, Bryar was not set to join the band for the shows.