Drummer for the rock group My Chemical Romance for six years, Bob Bryar has died at the age of 44.
A shocking announcement. Bob Bryar, former drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2010, was found dead at his home in Tennessee (United States) on Tuesday, November 26, according to TMZ. “The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob’s passing,” an “MCR” spokesperson told Rolling Stone.
At this time, the cause of death remains unknown, and the identity of the person who discovered his body has not been revealed. However, the report says her body was “severely decomposed” by the time it was discovered and authorities had to call in animal control to care for her two dogs.
Investigators do not suspect foul play, specifying that “all his weapons and musical equipment were intact.” The medical examiner is continuing his investigations to determine the circumstances of the death.
Bob Bryar was last seen on November 4, the day he also posted his last tweets, including one simply titled “TULSI”, a likely reference to former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
A stormy departure from the group
The musician joined My Chemical Romance in 2004 to replace original drummer Matt Pelissier. He remained with the group until 2010, notably contributing to the flagship album “The Black Parade”, released in 2006.
His departure was surrounded by rumors of tensions with his colleagues – Mikey Way, Gerard Way, Ray Toro and Frank Iero. However, the latter indicated that his departure was “a painful decision to make for all of us and was not taken lightly”. “We wish him good luck in his future endeavors and we expect all of you to do the same,” he added.
In 2015, the artist revealed in a publication on X that his ouster from My Chemical Romance had plunged him into deep depression and great emotional distress. He wrote that he had become “the most depressed, angry and suicidal person ever.”
In a later post, since deleted, he wrote: “Now I take so many pills that I feel a little better, although it still bothers me every day. In a recent conversation, I was told that I would not come back. My Chemical Romance planned to tour in 2025, but Bob Bryar was not expected to rejoin the group.
After leaving music in 2014, Bob Bryar retrained as a real estate agent and became active in animal rights, supporting sanctuaries and charities. In 2021, he even sold the drum kit he last used with the band at auction, to raise money for an animal rescue center in Tennessee, according to Rolling Stone.
