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Bob Bryar

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Not to be confused with Bob Bryan.

Bob Bryar
Bob Bryar, a young white man with light hair, playing drums.
Bryar performing with My Chemical Romance in 2007
Background information
Birth nameRobert Cory Bryar
Born(1979-12-31)December 31, 1979
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedNovember 24, 2024(2024-11-24) (aged 44)
Shelbyville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • sound engineer
  • tour manager
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Drums
  • percussion
Years active2004–2014
Labels
Formerly ofMy Chemical Romance

Robert Cory Bryar (December 31, 1979 – November 24, 2024) was an American musician and sound engineer best known as the drummer of American rock band My Chemical Romance. He was the longest-tenured and last official drummer in the band, performing in the rock group from 2004 until his departure in 2010.

Bryar joined My Chemical Romance shortly after the release of the band's second studio album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge in 2004, replacing former drummer Matt Pelissier.[1] He performed on all of the subsequent releases in support of the album, as well as the band's commercially successful concept album, The Black Parade (2006). Despite suffering numerous injuries while on tour, Bryar continued to tour with the band and joined them in the studio to record their fourth studio album before departing from My Chemical Romance in 2010. His final contribution was performing on the band's final release before their disbandment in 2013, Conventional Weapons.

After his departure from the band, Bryar became a behind-the-scenes figure in tours for several bands before retiring from music in 2014. He subsequently became a real estate agent and an active supporter of dog rescue charities and sanctuaries. Bryar died on November 24, 2024, at the age of 44.[2]

Early life

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Bryar was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 31, 1979.[3] He started playing drums at a young age, performing in his school's marching and jazz bands. One notable influence on Bryar was Rush drummer Neil Peart.[4] After graduation, Bryar studied for a degree in sound engineering at the University of Florida.[3]

Career

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My Chemical Romance (2004–2010)

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Bryar was originally a tour manager and sound engineer.[5] In 2000, Bryar began working as a touring sound engineer for rock bands including The Used and Thrice.[3] During this time, he befriended My Chemical Romance while the band was on tour with The Used in 2004. Bryar quit his then job on the Projekt Revolution tour to become the drummer for My Chemical Romance when the band was holding a tour in Japan,[6] officially replacing former drummer Matt Pelissier shortly after the release of the band's second studio album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004).[7][8] Bryar concurrently relearned how to play drums, having not played in years since becoming a soundman full-time, as he quickly learned the band's repertoire to tour.[7]

Bryar was featured in all of the music videos for Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (except the first version of the video for "I'm Not Okay"; he was featured in the second version), and also performed on all of the subsequent releases in support of the album including Life on the Murder Scene and ¡Venganza!. Bryar performed on, recorded and co-wrote[5] My Chemical Romance's third studio album The Black Parade (2006). The album was favored by music critics and was a commercial success, being awarded double platinum status in the United Kingdom and the United States. Bryar and lead vocalist Gerard Way were injured during the filming of the music video for "Famous Last Words" directed by Samuel Bayer, with Bryar suffering third-degree burns on his hands and legs after he caught fire when he was too close to the flames.[9][10] Their injuries caused the band to cancel their performance at the San Diego Street Scene festival.[10][11] A month later, the band missed two tour dates after Bryar was hospitalized with a staph infection also caused during the filming of the music video.[9] The band released a statement two days later, apologizing for cancelling shows, stating that they "want to be by his side the whole time".[12][13]

When the band went on The Black Parade World Tour in support of the album in February 2007, Bryar began having complications in his wrist in November, causing the band to cancel their show in Maine. In response to his injuries, Bryar apologized on the band's MySpace, explaining that he has had problems with his wrist "over the past few years", and that he received a "golf ball-sized lump" in his wrist and began to "lose control and feeling in [his] fingers".[14] He sat out for the tour and the band continued with Pete Parada as his temporary replacement.[15] Although Bryar was unable to perform, he continued to tour with the band and assist with pyrotechnics and returned for the last leg of the tour in January 2008.[16]

My Chemical Romance reentered the studio in 2009 to record their fourth studio album with producer Brendan O'Brien. On July 31 and August 1, they played two "secret" shows at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, performing unreleased material from their upcoming album, including a song titled "Death Before Disco".[17]

On March 3, 2010, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero announced on their official website that Bryar had departed from the band, writing:

"As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. 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."[6][18][19][20]

In a 2024 tribute following Bryar's death, Iero revealed that before Bryar's departure from the band, he suffered a devastating loss when one of his dogs was killed after being scammed by a dog trainer. Iero explained that the incident was a turning point in Bryar's relationship with the band, stating that "he just couldn't keep it together anymore" and that his "sadness, anger and distrust were too much to handle and took over all aspects."[21][22]

Bryar remains the band's longest serving drummer as of November 2024,[23][24] with the band also not having a full-time drummer since Bryar's departure.[25]

Post-My Chemical Romance (2010–2024)

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The band released their fourth studio album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys in 2010, with Bryar being credited as a songwriter on five songs including the singles "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)" and "The Only Hope for Me Is You".[26][27]

The band released Conventional Weapons, a compilation album consisting of ten unreleased songs that were recorded in 2009, prior to Bryar's departure and the making of Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, all of which include Bryar performing drums. They released two songs each month from October 2012 to February 2013.[28][29] My Chemical Romance disbanded in March 2013.[30]

After his departure from My Chemical Romance, Bryar continued being involved in the music business as a behind-the-scenes figure in tours for several bands.[31] On October 2, 2014, Bryar announced his departure from music, subsequently becoming a real estate agent.[32] However, in February 2015, he announced his interest in returning to music.[33][34]

On July 20, 2016, My Chemical Romance posted on their official Twitter and Facebook pages a video with the piano intro from "Welcome to the Black Parade", ending with a cryptic date, "9/23/16".[35][36] The video was also published on the band's YouTube channel with the video titled "MCRX".[37] This led to numerous rumors and reports on the band's possible reunion until it was revealed to be a reissue of The Black Parade with unreleased demos.[38][39][40] The reissue, titled The Black Parade/Living with Ghosts,[41] includes 11 demos and live tracks.[42] In September 2016, Bryar was featured in an exclusive interview with Alternative Press to promote the new album. In his first interview since departing from the band, Bryar recalled multiple memories of recording and touring The Black Parade.[43]

In January 2020, Bryar participated in a remembrance for then recently-deceased Rush drummer Neil Peart, recalling his "teenage obsession" and friendship with Peart.[31] In June 2021, Bryar announced that he had officially retired from drumming, citing his ongoing wrist issues, age, weight, and his desire to pursue "something new."[44]

Equipment

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During his time with My Chemical Romance, Bryar was known for using kits made by C&C, a custom drum company based in Gladstone, Missouri, paired with Sabian "Paragon" cymbals and Remo heads. Bryar played Vic Firth's "ROCK" sticks, until switching to Vater's "XD-Rock" sticks in 2007.[citation needed]

Philanthropy

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Following his departure from My Chemical Romance, Bryar was active in dog rescue charities and sanctuaries.[31] In June 2021, Bryar auctioned his Helena-themed drum kit on eBay and dedicated the money to the Williamson County Animal Control and Adoption Center located in Franklin, Tennessee.[44][45] In October 2022, Bryar auctioned his uniform from The Black Parade on eBay and dedicated the money to abandoned and sheltered animals in Florida and South Carolina that were affected by Hurricane Ian, stating that "it's just sitting in a box doing nothing and people need help with money right now."[46]

Death

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Bryar was last seen alive on November 4, 2024. On November 26, Bryar was found deceased in his Tennessee home. According to his obituary, he died two days earlier.[2] His cause of death has not yet been disclosed.[47]

Discography

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My Chemical Romance

Main article: My Chemical Romance discography
  1. ^ Conventional Weapons consisted of ten songs total, with the band releasing two songs each month from October 2012 to February 2013.

References

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  1. ^ Molloy, Laura (November 30, 2024). "Bob Bryar, former My Chemical Romance drummer, has died aged 44". NME. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Mr. Robert Cory "Bob" Bryar Obituary (2024) - Shelbyville, TN - Feldhaus Memorial Chapel - Shelbyville". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Bob Bryar – Biography". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  4. ^ Ratliff, Michaela (November 30, 2024). "Bob Bryar, former My Chemical Romance drummer, dies at 44". WGHP. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Hughes, William (November 30, 2024). "R.I.P. Bob Bryar, former My Chemical Romance drummer". The A.V. Club. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar leaves band". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Apar, Corey. "Bob Bryar Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  8. ^ "My Chemical Romance Bio". AllMusic.
  9. ^ a b Spin magazine: The State of Music (February 2007 ed.). Spin. February 2007. p. 57. bob bryar third degree.
  10. ^ a b Montgomery, James. "MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE EXPLAIN INJURIES, MISSED STREET SCENE GIG". MTV. Archived from the original on March 6, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  11. ^ "My Chemical Romance Comes Clean About Injuries". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  12. ^ Kaufman, Gil. "MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE CANCEL SHOWS AFTER DRUMMER IS HOSPITALIZED". MTV. Archived from the original on August 18, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  13. ^ Bychawski, Adam. "My Chemical Romance cancel shows". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  14. ^ Bychawski, Adam (November 12, 2007). "My Chemical Romance drummer explains wrist problems". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  15. ^ Bryant, Tom (August 16, 2015). "8 of the best My Chemical Romance songs featuring different drummers". TeamRock. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  16. ^ "My Chemical Romance lose another member". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  17. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE'S NEW ALBUM IS A 'LOVE LETTER TO ROCK AND ROLL". MTV. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  18. ^ "MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE PART WAYS WITH DRUMMER BOB BRYAR". MTV. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  19. ^ Paine, Kelsey. "My Chemical Romance Splits With Drummer". Spin. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  20. ^ "My Chemical Romance Drummer Departs". Clash. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  21. ^ Peters, Daniel (December 4, 2024). "My Chemical Romance's Frank Iero pays tribute to late ex-drummer Bob Bryar: "I don't think I ever got to tell him I was sorry"". NME. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  22. ^ Nattress, Katrina. "Frank Iero Pens Emotional Tribute To Late MCR Drummer: 'Doesn't Feel Real'". iHeartRadio. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  23. ^ Peters, Mitchell (November 30, 2024). "Bob Bryar, Former My Chemical Romance Drummer, Dies at 44". Billboard. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  24. ^ Garner, Glenn (November 30, 2024). "Bob Bryar Dies: My Chemical Romance Drummer Was 44". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  25. ^ Mata, William (November 30, 2024). "My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar found dead in US home aged 44". The Standard. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (Booklet). My Chemical Romance. Reprise/Sire. 2010. 9362-49618-3.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  27. ^ Coulston, John Connor (November 29, 2024). "My Chemical Romance's Bob Bryar Found Dead in Tennessee". PopCulture.com. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  28. ^ "My Chemical Romance to release 10 new songs over the next five months". NME. September 17, 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  29. ^ "Conventional Weapons". September 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  30. ^ "My Chemical Romance Split Announced As Band Thanks Fans". The Huffington Post. March 23, 2013. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  31. ^ a b c Pettigrew, Jason (January 13, 2020). "Bob Bryar (ex-My Chemical Romance) on Neil Peart, Joking with Rush". Alternative Press. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  32. ^ "bob bryar on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 18, 2016. I'm officially withdrawing myself from the music business. real estate classes start on monday!
  33. ^ Crane, Matt (February 25, 2015). "Ex-My Chemical Romance drummer was "angry, suicidal" after getting kicked out". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  34. ^ Carter, Emily (February 26, 2015). "BOB BRYAR "SUICIDAL" AFTER BEING KICKED OUT OF MCR". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
  35. ^ "Are My Chemical Romance Getting Back Together?". Kerrang!. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  36. ^ "My Chemical Romance post new logo and cryptic date". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  37. ^ MCRX. July 20, 2016 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ Bacle, Ariana (July 20, 2016). "My Chemical Romance reissuing famed album The Black Parade after cryptic tweet". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  39. ^ Brennan, Collin (July 20, 2016). "My Chemical Romance hint at reunion for 10th anniversary of The Black Parade". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  40. ^ Britton, Luke Morgan (July 21, 2016). "Is the My Chemical Romance comeback a 10th anniversary 'The Black Parade' reissue?". NME. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  41. ^ "My Chemical Romance to Release 'The Black Parade' Deluxe Reissue". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
  42. ^ Britton, Luke Morgan (July 29, 2016). "Stream My Chemical Romance's previously unreleased track 'The Five Of Us Are Dying'". NME. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  43. ^ "Exclusive: Ex-MCR drummer shares his memories of recording 'The Black Parade'". Alternative Press. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
  44. ^ a b DiVita, Joe (June 28, 2021). "Ex-My Chemical Romance Drummer Bob Bryar Auctioning 'Helena' Drum Kit". Loudwire. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  45. ^ Bryar, Bob. "Bob Bryar on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  46. ^ "Ex-My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar selling 'The Black Parade' uniform on eBay". NME. October 25, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  47. ^ Harrison, Scoop (November 29, 2024). "Bob Bryar, Former My Chemical Romance Drummer, Dead at 44". Consequence. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
  48. ^ "Bob Bryar Bio". AllMusic.
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