AceShowbiz - My Chemical Romance has released a heartfelt statement following the passing of former drummer Bob Bryar at the age of 44. On Monday, December 2, the band took to Instagram to pay tribute to Bryar, who joined My Chemical Romance in 2004 and performed on several of their albums, including the platinum concept album "The Black Parade" in 2006.

"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Bob Bryar, our former bandmate and an important part of the history of My Chemical Romance," the band wrote. "We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this time. May he rest in peace."

Bryar was found dead inside his Tennessee home last Tuesday, November 26. He was last seen alive on November 4, and authorities have ruled out foul play in his death. The cause of death is still unknown.

Bryar's passing comes as a shock to fans and the music industry. He was My Chemical Romance's longest-tenured drummer, joining the band after replacing original drummer Matt Pelissier.

"I left a very good touring gig where I was tour managing and doing sound," Bryar said in a 2016 interview. "I left that job to join a band that was filthy, had shitty gear, a smashed-up, smoking, death-trap van and was poor. They smelled bad, too."

"I was so happy to receive the offer," he added. "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 left My Chemical Romance in 2010, and following stints helping other bands on tour, he retired from the music industry and turned to working in real estate.

My Chemical Romance broke up in 2013 but reunited in 2019 and embarked on a years-long "Reunion Tour" that was postponed several times due to the pandemic. The band recently announced their "Long Live" 10-city tour beginning in July 2025. Bryar was not scheduled to appear at any of the shows.