From left: Ray Toro, Frank Iero,Gerard Way, Mikey Way, and Bob Bryar of My Chemical Romance backstage in Milan on November 21, 2006. Mick Hutson/Redferns
My Chemical Romance have spoken out following the death of their former drummer, Bob Bryar, who died at the age of 44.
Bryar was found deceased in his Tennessee home on Nov. 26, with authorities confirming no foul play was suspected.
Sharing a post to Instagram, the band wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Bob Bryar, our former bandmate and an important part of the history of My Chemical Romance. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this time. May he rest in peace.”
Bryar joined My Chemical Romance in 2004, replacing founding drummer Matt Pelissier shortly after the release of the band’s sophomore album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. At the time, Bryar was working as a sound engineer for The Used when his path crossed with the New Jersey rockers. His arrival marked the beginning of a defining period for the band.
Bryar became a cornerstone of My Chemical Romance’s evolution, contributing to their 2006 opus The Black Parade. Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums of the 2000s emo-punk movement, The Black Parade debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included fan-favorite tracks like “Welcome to the Black Parade” and “Famous Last Words.”
He was also involved in the writing of the group’s 2010 release, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, but left the band before its release.
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In addition to his work on The Black Parade, Bryar contributed to the songwriting process for My Chemical Romance’s 2013 compilation album Conventional Weapons, even after he left the band in 2010.
His departure was described at the time as a difficult but mutual decision. “This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly,” guitarist Frank Iero wrote in a statement. “We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
After departing from My Chemical Romance, Bryar retired from music and became a real estate agent, according to TMZ. He also devoted much of his time to dog rescue charities and sanctuaries.
My Chemical Romance recently announced a series of 2025 stadium shows where they will perform The Black Parade in full. Bryar was not scheduled to appear at any of the performances. The 10-city tour will launch on July 11, 2025, in Seattle.
