My Chemical Romance Drummer Leaves Band

My Chemical Romance have announced they and drummer Bob Bryar have parted ways.

They say decision was made about four weeks ago but came to light Wednesday (March 3).

"This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly," guitarist Frank Iero wrote on the band's website on Wednesday. "We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same."

My Chemical Romance say they wanted to break the news to fans and "not some bullshit gossip site" while also mentioning they've had a spate of bad news.

"As a band we have been very fortunate over the years that our sweet times have greatly outweighed the sour ones, and a great deal of that is owed to you, the fans," Iero wrote.

No reason was given for Bryar's departure and there's no word on who might replace him.

Bryar, who joined the band in 2004, also had his own misfortune while with MCR. In 2006, he was injured while making the video for the song "Famous Last Words," suffering a burn which resulted in a severe staph infection. Last year, he sued a dog trainer, saying his dog died while in the company's care.

As for the status of My Chemical Romance's new studio album, Iero says he's pleased with the material on the follow-up to 2006's The Black Parade so far.

"We have been writing some very powerful new songs so this week the four of us entered the studio once again, and what has been ending up on tape each night is some of the most exciting and honest work we have ever created," he wrote.