My Chemical Romance has shared a statement following the tragic death of former drummer Bob Bryar.
Bryar, who was 44 years old, was found dead in his home in Tennessee last Tuesday, having last been seen alive on November 4, according to reports from TMZ.
Animal control was also called to the home to remove two dogs after the drummer’s body was found in a “badly decomposed” condition.
Authorities do not suspect foul play as TMZ reports that his firearms and music equipment remained untouched. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
My Chemical Romance has now broken their silence, telling Variety in a statement: “The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob’s passing.”
Bryar had been My Chemical Romance’s longest-serving drummer, having been with the band between 2004 and 2010.
He had originally worked as a sound technician for The Used, but joined My Chemical Romance while the two bands were on tour in 2004, replacing their original drummer, Matt Pelissier.
He joined lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, bass guitarist Mikey Way, and rhythm guitarist Frank Iero in some of the band’s most successful years.
He told Alternative Press in 2016: “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 s***ty 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.”
Bryar became the band’s permanent drummer after the release of their sophomore album, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge.
He left the band in March 2010, six years after joining, and the group announced his departure in a statement.
They told fans at the time: “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.”
Bryar then had stints helping other bands on tour before retiring from the music industry and focusing on a career in real estate, TMZ reported.
My Chemical Romance broke up in 2013 but reformed in 2019 for a Reunion Tour which was then delayed several times due to the pandemic.
