Punk-rock band My Chemical Romance in 2006, when it released its seminal album 'The Black Parade'. Members at that time were (from left) Frank Iero, Bob Bryar, Gerard Way, Ray Toro and Mikey Way. Photo: Handout
Bob Bryar, the former drummer of pop-punk band My Chemical Romance, who was with the group from 2004 to 2010, has died at the age of 44.
Law enforcement officials told American tabloid TMZ that Bryar was found dead in his Tennessee home on Nov 26. He was last seen alive on Nov 4.
No foul play is suspected as all of his weapons and music equipment were found untouched in his home. The outlet reported that his body was “badly decomposed” when it was found. The cause of death is being investigated.
According to music magazine Rolling Stone, a spokesperson for My Chemical Romance confirmed the news of Bryar’s death and said: “The band ask for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bob’s passing.”
Bryar obtained a degree in sound engineering from the University of Florida before becoming a touring sound engineer, and met My Chemical Romance in 2004. He replaced the band’s original drummer Matt Pelissier when Pelissier left the group later that year.
Bryar performed with the band on its hit album The Black Parade (2006), which has earned four-time platinum status in the United States. He left the band in 2010, and My Chemical Romance subsequently disbanded in 2013.
The band announced a reunion in 2019 and were on tour from 2022 to 2023 with Jarrod Alexander, who replaced Bryar as drummer prior to the group’s disbandment. The other members include vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way.
Bryar reportedly became a real estate agent in 2014 and was actively involved in dog rescue sanctuaries and charities.
In 2022, he put his original Black Parade costume – which resembles a marching band uniform and can be seen in the music video for Welcome To The Black Parade, the lead single of the 2006 album – up for auction. He said that proceeds would go to abandoned and shelter animals affected by Hurricane Ian, which struck Florida and South Carolina that year. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
