My Chemical Romance are down to three core members for their live dates in the UK this week after guitarist Frank Iero dropped out of the tour due to an illness within his family.

Iero left the brief jaunt following their show in Newcastle at the weekend and will be replaced by stand in guitarist Matt Cortez.

The news follows drummer Bob Bryar’s departure from the live dates after he injured his wrist on their North American stint. His injury forced them to axe their show in Maine at the end of last month – a decision which nearly caused the Maine University to sue the band.

Unlike Iero, Bryar – who has been replaced by a mystery man called “Pete” – will still be travelling with the band on their dates.

Despite the news, Gerard Way still remains upbeat about the situation, telling the NME: “We’ve been through a lot of stuff on this record, dealt with life situations and stuff. Ultimately it’s going to be a little different and look a little different, but we’re ready for this.”