On November 26, 2024, Bob Bryar, the former drummer of the rock band My Chemical Romance, was discovered dead at his home in Tennessee. Bryar, who was 44, played for the band from 2004 to 2014 during the peak of their popularity.
Police found Bryar’s body in a state of advanced decomposition at his residence, last seen alive on November 4. According to the authorities, there were no indications of foul play as his music equipment and weapons were untouched.
After the discovery, Animal Control officers took two dogs from the property. The medical examiner is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of Bryar’s death.
Bryar became a part of My Chemical Romance in 2004 after the band met him while on tour with The Used. Replacing the original drummer, Matt Pelissier, Bryar joined the band shortly after their album “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” was released.
During his time with My Chemical Romance, Bryar played drums for their 2006 album “The Black Parade,” which was the band’s most successful release. He also participated in songwriting for their 2010 album “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys,” however, he left the band before the album’s release.
After leaving My Chemical Romance, Bryar collaborated with other music groups before retiring from the music industry. He then shifted his career to real estate.
After his departure from the band, Bryar became deeply involved in animal welfare, specifically in dog rescue operations. He auctioned his drum kit and uniform from The Black Parade tour to raise money for local animal shelters in Tennessee.
My Chemical Romance plans a 10-city tour in July 2025 featuring complete performances of “The Black Parade.” Bryar, the longest-serving drummer in the band’s history, was not scheduled to be part of these reunion shows.
The band released a statement after the news of Bryar’s death broke, asking for “patience and understanding as they process the news.”
TMZ reported that Bryar had expressed experiencing suicidal thoughts after his exit from My Chemical Romance. However, there is no official confirmation from the police that suicide was the cause of Bryar’s death.