Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Bob Bryar, the former drummer for popular 2000s alternative rock band My Chemical Romance, has tragically died at the age of 44.

Bryar, the band’s longest-serving drummer, was found dead in his Tennessee home on Tuesday, November 26, after being last seen earlier that month. His cause of death is currently unknown.

Accordingly TMZAuthorities said there was no suspicion of a crime and that Bryar’s personal items, including musical equipment and weapons, were not taken. Animal control was reportedly called to remove two dogs from the home after Bryar’s body was discovered in a decomposed state. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Bryar joined My Chemical Romance in 2004, replacing the band’s original drummer Matt Pelissier after the release of their second album. Cheers to Sweet Revenge. Bryar played a significant role in the band’s success and contributed to the formation of The black parade, is perhaps considered the rock group’s most iconic album.

He also helped write her 2010 album Danger Days: The real lives of the fabulous spoilsportsalthough he left the band in March of that year – before the album’s release.

However, My Chemical Romance have been back in the zeitgeist lately, especially since their 2019 reunion (and subsequent tour, which actually didn’t begin until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) announced a series of stadium shows for 2025 The Black Parade complete. However, Bryar was not scheduled to perform with the band.

Currently, My Chemical Romance consists of lead singer Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, bassist (and also Gerard’s brother) Mikey Way and current drummer Jarrod Alexander.

Before announcing their new tour, the band reunited in Las Vegas, Nevada in mid-October and headlined the 2024 When We Were Young Festival. They played The Black Parade from start to finish, it’s their second appearance at the festival. (MCR made its first appearance at WWWYF in 2022 and headlined the festival with Paramore.)

Their 10-city tour begins in Seattle on July 11, 2025.