The late Bob Bryar was once part of one of the most popular American rock band’s of the early 2000s.
However after the drummer’s departure from My Chemical Romance in 2010 the musician endured a difficult battle with depression and mental health.
After leaving the group amidst rumors of a fallout with his fellow bandmates, he openly admitted to feeling extremely depressed, angry, and even contemplating suicide. The experience left him in a very dark place emotionally.
Bob was found dead at his home in Tennessee, at age 44, this week just two days before Thanksgiving.
At this time, his cause of death has not been made public and it is unknown who found him, according to TMZ.
As the longest-serving and final official drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2010, his departure was shrouded in rumors of tension with his bandmates—Frank Lero, Mikey Way, Gerard Way, and Ray Toro.
Inside Bob Bryar’s life after My Chemical Romance: From battles with depression to finding new job as real estate agent as drummer is found dead aged 44
After the drummer’s departure from My Chemical Romance in 2010 the musician endured a difficult battle with depression and mental health
While the band members did not discuss the specifics, multiple sources confirmed that a falling out had occurred, per MTV.
After joining the band in 2004 he went on to perform and record music with the group on all of their subsequent releases until his departure.
On March 3, 2010, guitarist Frank revealed that Bob had left the band in a decision he described as ‘painful’.
In an official statement on the band’s website, he wrote: ‘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.’
In 2015 Bob opened up about feeling ‘angry’ and ‘suicidal’ after he was kicked out of the band as he spoke out about the dark time in his life.
Taking to Twitter half a decade after he left the group in a now deleted post he wrote: ‘It’s been about five years since I was kicked out of MyChem, I became the most depressed, angry, suicidal person ever.’
Discussing his mental health he added: ‘Now, I am on so many pills that I feel a bit better, although, it still (b)others me every day. In a recent conversation, I was told I won’t be back.’
He previously admitted he was ‘ the most depressed, angry, suicidal person ever’ after leaving the group amid rumours of a fallout with his fellow bandmates
While the band members did not discuss the specifics, multiple sources confirmed that a falling out had occurred, per MTV (pictured with his former bandmates Ray Toro, Mikey Way, Gerard Way and Frank Lero L-R)
Bob was found dead at his home in Tennessee , at age 44, this week just two days before Thanksgiving (pictured 2006)
The star was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final tweets, one of which simply read ‘TULSI,’ seemingly referencing former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard
He also wrote: ‘sooo I have been wanting to try and play again. @MatthewCortez @LukasPMd @saaanch lets do this before I jump of a bridge. last try for me.’
After retiring from music in 2014, Bob became a real estate agent and an active advocate of various dog rescues and sanctuaries.
In 2021, Bryar auctioned off the drum set he last used with the band—both on tour and during the recording of their iconic 2006 album The Black Parade—to raise funds for an animal rescue center in Tennessee, according to Rolling Stone.
‘This is my very last drum kit and it’s ready for a new home. I used this kit when [the band] opened the MTV VMAs in 2005, the following tour, and for some of the [Black Parade] record,’ he wrote in the listing, per the outlet.
Although My Chemical Romance was scheduled to tour in 2025, Bob was not due to reunite with the band.
Bob was found dead this week, as TMZ reported his body was ‘badly decomposed’ when discovered and Animal Control came to the house to take away his two dogs.
Authorities do not suspect ‘foul play’ as all his ‘weapons and music equipment in the home were left untouched’ (seen in 2007)
Authorities do not suspect ‘foul play’ as all his ‘weapons and music equipment in the home were left untouched.’
The star was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final tweets, one of which simply read ‘TULSI,’ seemingly referencing former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
The current lineup of My Chemical Romance consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero and bassist Mikey Way.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7/365.
