Bob Bryar, former My Chemical Romance drummer, dead at 44
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Bob Bryar, the previous drummer for My Chemical Romance, has sadly died at age 44. As the longest-tenured drummer in the band, he played with the group between 2004 and 2010.
Founded in 2001, My Chemical Romance began as a project by singer Gerard Way, guitarist Ray Toro, bassist Mikey Way and original drummer Matt Pelissier. However, since then, the lineup has gone through a variety of changes and shifts, especially with different drummers coming in and out.
Bob Bryar, despite not being the original drummer, was the band’s longest-running player. He also performed with the band during their most commercially successful period, helping to craft the sound that would level up their popularity to new heights. After joining the group in 2004 as a replacement for Pelissier, Bryar took up his post just after the band released their revered second album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and embarked on several major tours, including support slots with acts like Green Day and The Used as well as their own headline shows.
Then, in 2006, Bryar’s playing was captured on tape on the band’s most popular album, The Black Parade. It is this rock opera-inspired concept album that shot the band to major acclaim, enduring as their most beloved and bestselling record. Bryar’s drumming was a key part of that, helping to keep the band’s electricity as an alternative rock act and punk-influenced troupe even while their sound was becoming more polished and elevated.
In 2010, it was announced that Bryar had left the band. A statement released by the group in March of that year read, “As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same.”
However, Bryar remained a behind-the-scenes part of the group until their disbandment in 2013, contributing to their compilation album Conventional Weapons and helping them out on tours but just not on stage.
In 2014, Bryar fully retired from music. He retrained as a real estate agent and dedicated his spare time to dog rescue charities. Though he sometimes reappeared in the music sphere, such as playing at a remembrance show for Rush drummer Neil Peart, he announced in 2020 that he’d now quit playing drums.
Bryar was found dead at his home on November 27th 2024. He was 44 years old. As of yet, no cause of death has been concluded as an autopsy is currently ongoing. However, it is reported that no foul play is suspected.
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