Former My Chemical Romance Drummer Bob Bryar Found Dead at 44

Bob Bryar, former drummer of My Chemical Romance, has passed away at the age of 44. TMZ reports that Bryar was discovered deceased in his Tennessee home on Tuesday. He was last seen alive on November 4.

The cause of death remains unknown, though authorities do not suspect foul play. An autopsy will be conducted by a medical examiner to determine the official cause, according to TMZ.

Bryar was the final official drummer for My Chemical Romance, joining the band in 2004 and performing with them until 2010. He became part of the band after meeting members Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Mikey Way, and Frank Iero while working as a touring sound technician for The Used. He replaced the original drummer, Matt Pelissier, shortly after the release of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.

According to Billboard, Bryar was asked to join My Chemical Romance before the band even heard him drum. He toured extensively with them, playing a significant role in their iconic 2006 album The Black Parade.

Throughout his time with the band, Bryar endured several injuries. He suffered third-degree burns during the filming of the Famous Last Words music video and experienced wrist problems while on tour in 2007, which he shared with fans via MySpace.

In 2010, not long after the release of the band’s fourth album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, Bryar departed from My Chemical Romance. His departure was announced by guitarist Frank Iero, who described the decision as “painful for all of us” but wished Bryar success in his future endeavors.

In 2014, Bryar left the music industry altogether, auctioning off his My Chemical Romance memorabilia to support animal rescue organizations. He later pursued a career in real estate, as he mentioned in a since-deleted tweet that same year.

While My Chemical Romance is set to embark on a series of stadium shows across the U.S. and Canada next year in celebration of The Black Parade, Bryar was not scheduled to perform with them.

His contributions to the band’s legacy and his dedication to fans will be remembered.