Drummer For Popular Rock Band Found Dead In Tennessee Home

Former My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar was found dead inside his Tennessee home on Tuesday, according to a report from TMZ. He was 44-years-old.

Bryar, who held down the longest tenure as drummer for the popular alternative rock band, was last seen alive on November 4. Bryar’s cause of death is not immediately known, though authorities do not suspect foul play.

The rock star’s body was recovered in advanced stages of decomposition after animal control was called to remove two dogs from the property.

Bryar performs with My Chemical Romance in 2007

Bryar, who got his start as a sound technician for The Used, joined My Chemical Romance while the two bands were on tour in 2004. He replaced original drummer Matt Pelissier, who was asked to leave the group by band manager Brian Schecther for undisclosed reasons.

Bryar became the band’s permanent drummer after the release of the band’s 2004 release, “Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge,” which became the band’s most popular release at the time and raised their profile significantly. He was also part of the band’s peak with the 2006 release “The Black Parade,” which topped alternative rocked charts. The album’s titular single became one of the most popular songs of the year, peaking at number nine on the Billboard 200.

The album was certified quadruple platinum in the US and finished the year number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums 2006, and number 2 on the Billboard 200.

During the filming for the “Famous Last Words” music video, the second-most popular single on the album, Bryar and lead vocalist Gerard Way suffered injuries. The video’s smoky atmosphere and use of live fires caused Bryar to suffer third-degree burns, forcing the band to cancel a number of shows, including an appearance at the San Diego Street Scene Festival.

Bryar ultimately left the band in 2010, just about six years after replacing Pelissier. “This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly,” the band said. “We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same.”

After stints with a few additional rock bands, Bryar left the music industry and focused on real estate, TMZ reported.

My Chemical Romance recently announced their “Long Live” ten-city tour beginning in July 2025. Bryar was not scheduled for performances on any of those dates, the New York Post reported.