November 14, 2007 16:12

My Chemical Romance lose another member

Family circumstances force Frank Iero to depart UK tour

Photo Gallery: My Chemical Romance
Photo: Danny North

My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero has dropped out of the band's world tour, leaving them with just three full-time members.

Iero left the tour following Sunday's show (November 11) in Newcastle after learning of a family member's illness.

He will be temporarily replaced by guitar tech Matt Cortez, who already has experience up on stage. It was he who stood in on bass for Mikey Way when he took a six-month hiatus from the band earlier this year after getting married.

However, this latest news leaves My Chemical Romance with only Gerard and Mikey Way, plus lead guitarist Ray Toro, as the only permanent members on the current tour.

Drummer Bob Bryar is already having sit dates out after persistent wrist complaint became worse. Bryar is still travelling with the band however, assisting with the show's pyrotechnics.

He is being replaced by "a friend of ours named Pete who plays in another band, so has asked us kindly not to say the name," according to Gerard Way.

The singer assured NME.COM that fans will still get a full throttle, if slightly altered, MCR experience: "We've been through a lot of stuff on this record, dealt with life situations and stuff. Ultimately it’s gonna be a little different and look a little different, but we're ready for this."

My Chemical Romance's sold-out UK tour continues at London's 02 Arena tomorrow (November 15) before moving on to Belfast.