Bob Bryar


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Robert Nathanial Bryar, more simply referred to as 'Bob' or 'Cat Lover' was born December 31, 1979 in Chicago, Illinois, is the drummer for My Chemical Romance. Before joining the band, he once played drums and symphonic in a jazz band and later attended Downers Grove South High School. There he joined the marching band and was the section leader of their drumline (slightly foreseeing the future? Maybe!). He also worked in Disneyworld, Florida.

He was in some rock bands before, but hadn't found any that would drop everything and go out on tour without caring who they'd play with or where. Bob replaced Matt Pelissier in 2004 after being a sound mixer for The Used. Contrary to popular belief, he did not play the drums for the band on their second album. The video for I'm Not Okay (I Promise) was filmed with Bob drumming before he became an official member of the band. He is also the only member who is not from New Jersey. When he first joined MCR he had a broken ankle, but he didn't tell anyone because he was afraid they'd choose another drummer.

Since then, he has become a valuable member of My Chemical Romance and has been made their permanent drummer. Frank Iero has even said, "Bob and Toro are the two hardest working people I've ever met, and if there is a God, I thank him everyday for bringing us Bob." Bob uses C&C Drums and Sabian cymbals. He hates being photographed, he says he'll punch any photographer who bothers him.

During the making of the video for Famous Last Words, Bob's leg was ignited by one of the torches and he was severely burned. He later developed a staph infection and was rushed to the hospital just in time, before the infection got to his brain. Other injuries include a broken foot, and being pushed out of a moving bus.

He's said that before joining the band he was kind of depressed because although he had a lot of work as a soundman, drum tech and even tour manager and that was getting him good money, he wasn't doing what he really wanted to do. He'd watch other drummers playing every night and wish he was there. So when he joined MCR that gave him a sense of hope and something to look forward to. And that's when he began to take better care of himself and got in shape not only physically but also mentally. It was a life-saving decision.

Pictures taken by Joanne Vitale

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© Imre 2007