My Chemical Romance fire drummer

My Chemical Romance have fired their tour drummer after he was allegedly "caught red handed stealing" from the band.

The rockers stunned fans on Friday (02Sep11) by publicly accusing Michael Pedicone of theft and announcing his sudden termination from their tour.

A statement from guitarist Frank Iero reads, "The relationship between My Chemical Romance and Michael Pedicone is over. 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."

Pedicone has since taken to his Twitter.com page to admit he had made "a mistake", explaining, "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 judgement based on a whole other situation that's way deeper but this does not define me."

The band has assured fans the tour will continue as scheduled as they scout for a new drummer to take Pedicone's place.