My Chemical Romance Fire Drummer Over Alleged Theft

Less than a year after My Chemical Romance replaced drummer Bob Bryar, the band booted Michael Pedicone from the group after it was alleged that he stole from the band.

Pedicone, who joined MCR late in 2010 as their third drummer, was kicked out on Friday after an alleged incident the night before in Auburn, Washington, according to a posting on the band's official website.

"The relationship between My Chemical Romance and Michael Pedicone is over," read a post from guitarist Frank Iero. "He was caught red handed stealing from the band and confessed to police after our show last night in Auburn, Washington. We are heartbroken and sick to our stomachs over this entire situation. The band has no intention of pressing charges or taking this matter any further than we have to. We just want him out of our lives. The people who play in this band are a family, and family should not take advantage of each other like he did."

Iero said the band planned to move forward, and indeed, by Saturday night's show at Utah's USANA Amphitheatre they had recruited Dead Country's Jarrod Alexander to play with them.

Pedicone tweeted about the incident on Friday, writing, "What happened is more complicated than it sounds but I did make a mistake. It was never my intention to hurt this band or all of you. ... It was an error in judgment based on a whole other situation that's way deeper but this does not define me."

Alexander, who previously played with Death by Stereo and Suicide File, is the fourth drummer to fill the seat for MCR, following in the wake of Pedicone, Bryar and original member Matt Pelissier, who held down the gig from 2001 to 2004. The band has not yet announced whether Alexander is the permanent replacement or just a touring member.