My Chemical Romance once consisted of six members: lead singer Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, lead bassist Mikey Way, touring keyboardist James Dewees and drummer Bob Bryar. In 2010, however, Bryar and MCR went their separate ways, with the band calling it a “painful decision.” So, why did their longest-tenured drummer leave MCR?
Amid the news of Bryar’s death, fans are looking back at his contributions to the pop-punk band, and many are wondering what led to his retirement from music.
Bryar joined MCR in 2004, replacing their former dummer, Matt Pelissier. Bryar contributed to several albums, including Life on the Murder Scene and The Black Parade.
During his time with MCR, Bryar experienced a few setbacks. In 2007, he had a complication with his wrist during their Black Parade World Tour, which caused the band to cancel a show in Maine. At the time, Bryar explained the situation via MySpace.
“We are very sorry about cancelling our recent show in Maine. I have been having many problems with my wrists over the past few years,” Bryar revealed, per NME. “They have been getting worse, but I kept playing. I have seen many doctors to get some relief so I wouldn’t have to stop playing. I guess I pushed it too hard this time. During our show at Maxwell’s, I got a golf ball-sized lump in my wrist, I started to not only have pain, but lose control and feeling in my fingers.”
Despite the setback, Bryar remained dedicated to touring with MCR and returned in early 2008. He also worked with his then-bandmates on their fourth album in 2009.
In 2010, MCR announced that Bryar had left the band but didn’t provide a reason behind his departure. In his announcement, Iero called it a “painful decision” to “part ways” with Bryar.
