My Chemical Romance Drummer Passed Away At 44

Michael_Spencer, Wikipedia

Bob Bryar, the former drummer for My Chemical Romance, has passed away, TMZ reports. According to law enforcement sources, Bryar was discovered deceased in his Tennessee home on November 26. He was 44.

The musician had last been seen alive on November 4. The cause of death remains unclear, but reports indicate that no foul play is suspected. Medical professionals are currently working to determine the exact cause.

Bob Bryar joined My Chemical Romance as their drummer in 2004, taking over for original member Matt Pelissier. As the band’s longest-serving drummer, Bryar remained with MCR until 2010 and contributed to their iconic 2006 album, The Black Parade. After leaving the band, he pursued other music projects before reportedly shifting his focus to a career in real estate.

Per US Weekly, in a 2016 interview with Alternative Press, Bryar reflected on his early days with My Chemical Romance, recalling how he knew from the start that the band was something truly “special.”

Bryar said, “I left a very good touring gig where I was tour managing and doing sound. I left that job to join a band that was filthy, had sh–y gear, a smashed-up, smoking, death-trap van and was poor. They smelled bad, too. I was so happy to receive the offer. Long before we recorded ‘Welcome To The Black Parade,’ I knew that [MCR] were special and I wanted in. I wanted to help evolve the band and be able to shred with them every night.”

Before the release of Danger Days, Bryar parted ways with My Chemical Romance. In the following years, he collaborated with other bands before eventually announcing his transition from the music industry to a career in real estate.

In the years following his departure from My Chemical Romance, Bryar openly acknowledged struggling with suicidal thoughts on multiple occasions.