Born in Chicago on December 31, 1979, drummer
Bob Bryar is the only member of emo/alternative rockers
My Chemical Romance not originally from New Jersey. He picked up the drums at a young age and grew up playing in his school's marching and jazz bands. After graduation,
Bryar studied for a degree in sound engineering at a school in Florida prior to becoming the resident soundman back at his hometown's House of Blues. By 2000, he was on the road with bands instead, acting as the touring sound guy for groups like
the Used and
Thrice. It was through this job that
Bryar hooked up with
My Chemical Romance in the first place, meeting them while working for
the Used on a tour the two bands did together. In mid-2004, problems with
My Chemical Romance's original drummer,
Matt Pelissier, came to a head, and just as he was kicked out of the band, they asked
Bryar (without ever hearing him play) to be their new drummer. Within a week,
Bryar had quit his then job on the Projekt Revolution tour and was playing shows with the New Jersey crew in support of their newest album,
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. He concurrently relearned how to play drums (he hadn't played in years since becoming a soundman full-time) as he quickly learned
My Chemical Romance's repertoire to tour.
Bryar appeared in the band's video for "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" before he was even technically a permanent member. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide
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