The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1988. The band was formed by guitarist/vocalist Billy Corgan and guitarist James Iha after the demise of Corgan's first band, the Marked. The two musicians were soon joined by bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Since its inception, the Smashing Pumpkins has gone through several line-up changes, with Corgan the only consistent member.
Their current formation includes Corgan alongside Iha (who rejoined in 2018) and Chamberlin, who has had four tenures. The band also tours with bassist Jack Bates (who first joined in 2015), and guitarist Kiki Wong (since 2024).
History After the breakup of his gothic rock band the Marked, singer and guitarist Billy Corgan left St. Petersburg, Florida, to return to his native city of Chicago, where he took a job in a record store. While working there, he met guitarist James Iha. The pair soon began writing songs together with the aid of a drum machine.Kot, Greg. "Pumpkin Seeds", Guitar World. January 2002. Corgan met bassist D'arcy Wretzky in mid 1988 after a show by the Dan Reed Network where they argued the merits of the band. After finding out Wretzky played bass, Corgan stated his band's need for a bassist and gave Wretzky his telephone number. Wretzky soon joined the band, and she and Iha later had a short-lived romance."From Fighting to Smashing", Washington Post. November 19, 1993.
The first performance of the Smashing Pumpkins was on July 9, 1988, at the Polish bar Chicago 21. This performance included only Corgan and Iha with a drum machine.Kelly, Christina. "Smashing Pumpkins: The Multi-Platinum Band Is Over the Infighting But Can the Harmony Last?", US Weekly. December 1, 1995 On August 10, 1988, the band played for the first time as a trio at the Avalon Nightclub."Jimmy Chamberlin [interview]", Modern Drummer. January 1994. After this show, Cabaret Metro owner Joe Shanahan agreed to book the band on the condition that they replace the drum machine with a live drummer. Jazz drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was recruited for the band after a recommendation from a friend of Corgan's. On October 5, 1988, the complete band took the stage for the first time at the Cabaret Metro.
Soon after the release of their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in 1995, the group recruited keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin to perform on the ensuing tour. However, on July 11, 1996, Melvoin and Chamberlin overdosed on heroin in a New York City hotel room. Melvoin died, and Chamberlin was arrested for drug possession. A few days later, the band announced that Chamberlin had been fired as a result of the incident. The Pumpkins chose to finish the tour, and hired drummer Matt Walker and keyboardist Dennis Flemion as temporary replacements. Corgan later said the decision to continue touring was the worst the band had ever made, damaging both their music and their reputation.
In early 1999, Jimmy Chamberlin rejoined the band; however, the reunion was short-lived, as bassist D'arcy Wretzky announced her departure that September. She was subsequently replaced by former Hole bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, who performed on the “Sacred and Profane" tour and appeared in music videos. On May 23, 2000, in a live radio interview on KROQ-FM (Los Angeles), Billy Corgan announced the band's decision to break up at the end of that year following additional touring and recording. The Smashing Pumpkins played at the Cabaret Metro on December 2, 2000, before a six-year disbandment.
On July 21, 2005, Corgan stated in full-page advertisements in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times that he planned to reunite the band.Corgan, Billy. "A Message to Chicago from Billy Corgan", Chicago Tribune, June 21, 2005. On April 20, 2006, the band's official website confirmed the reunion. Corgan and Chamberlin were verified as participants in the reunion, but it was unclear whether other former members of the band would participate. In April 2007, Iha and Auf der Maur separately confirmed that they were not taking part in the reunion. Wretzky did not make an announcement, but Chamberlin would later state that Iha and Wretzky "didn't want to be a part of" the reunion.Micallef, Ken. "The Evolution of Jimmy Chamberlin: Still Smashing!" Modern Drummer. November 2007. The Smashing Pumpkins performed live for the first time since 2000 on May 22, 2007, in Paris, France, with new members Jeff Schroeder on guitar and Ginger Reyes on bass guitar, as well as keyboardist Lisa Harriton.
This line-up toured to promote the 2007 album Zeitgeist and performed again throughout 2008 to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary—this time, the instrumentation was augmented by No Doubt trumpeter Stephen Bradley and trombonist Gabrial McNair, Kristopher Pooley on accordion and keyboards, and Gingger Shankar playing the rare 10-string violin. In March 2009, Corgan announced on the band's website that longtime drummer Jimmy Chamberlin had left the group; Chamberlin stated that the split was amicable, commenting that he was "glad [Corgan] has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right." Corgan later stated that he fired Chamberlin and began searching for his replacement."Billy Corgan on Pumpkins' Split, “Loving” Jessica Simpson: Preview the Story". Rolling Stone. March 3, 2010.
In August 2009, Corgan confirmed on the band's website that drummer Mike Byrne had replaced Chamberlin after a series of open auditions. Keyboardist Lisa Harriton quietly left the group in 2009. In March 2010, bassist Ginger Reyes (now Ginger Pooley) officially left the band in order to focus on her family and was briefly replaced by Mark Tulin of the Electric Prunes. In May 2010, Nicole Fiorentino was announced as the official replacement for Pooley."Smashing Pumpkins Acknowledge Report Identifying New Bassist ". HipstersUnited.com. 2010-05-08. However, she was later dismissed from the band in 2014, alongside Byrne.
Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee played on Monuments to an Elegy and Brad Wilk toured with the band, alongside bassist Mark Stoermer for tour dates in late 2014 and early 2015. In 2015, the band were to be joined by drummer Robin Diaz and bassist Katie Cole; however, Diaz was replaced by original drummer Chamberlin on a touring basis. Cole was also replaced by Jack Bates during the tour. Cole returned in 2016, this time on keyboards and guitar, while Sierra Swan joined on bass, keyboards and other instruments.
In February 2018, Iha and Chamberlin officially rejoined for the Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour with touring members Cole and Bates. On October 24, 2023, it was announced on the band's social media that Jeff Schroeder had decided to leave the band "to explore a slightly different path". In April 2024, the band revealed Kiki Wong as new touring guitarist.
Band members Current members Image Name Years active InstrumentsRelease contributions all of The Smashing Pumpkins' releases.
Current touring members Image Name Years active InstrumentsRelease contributions bass noneKiki Wong2024–presentguitar
Former members Image Name Years active InstrumentsRelease contributions 1988–1999 all releases from Gish (1991) to Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music (2000) none all releases from American Gothic (2008) to Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts (2022–2023) 2009–2014 Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014) 2010–2014
Former touring members Image Name Years active InstrumentsRelease contributions 1993–1994 cello Siamese Dream (1993) 1995–1996 none 1996–1997 Adore (1998) 1996–1997 1998none percussion 1998 2000 2007–2010 American Gothic (2008) 2007–2010 2008 none 10-string violin 2010 Smashing Pumpkins: 'There Are Always More Riffs Than Words' Ultimate-Guitar.com. 2010-04-26.bass Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014) 2014–2015none drums 2016–2017
Studio and guest musicians Image Name Years active InstrumentsRelease contributionsMary Gaines1990–1991cello on "Daydream"Gish (1991)Chris Wagnerviolin and viola on "Daydream"Mike Mills1992–1993piano on "Soma"Siamese Dream (1993)David Ragsdale string arrangements and violin on "Disarm" and "Luna"Kerry Brown Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014)Chicago Symphony Orchestra1995orchestra in "Tonight, Tonight"Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)Greg Leiszpedal and lap steel guitar on "Take Me Down"'Jimmy Flemion Adore (1998)Matt Cameron1997–1998drums on "For Martha"Adore (1998)Joey WaronkerBon HarrisBrad WoodBjorn Thorsrud1998–1999 programmingMachina/The Machines of God (2000)Ysanne Spevack 2010Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014)Linda Strawberrybacking vocalsKevin Dippold2011Tommy Lee2014Sstaria (Sheri Shaw)backing vocals on "Anaise!"Daphne Chen – violin2018strings on "Knights of Malta" and "Alienation"Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018)Eric Forman – violinRichard Dodd – celloLeah Katz – violaCharissa Nielsenadditional background vocals on "Knights of Malta"Briana LeeMissi Hale
Timeline
Line-ups +The Smashing Pumpkins line-upsPeriodMembersReleasesearly 1988 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards James Iha – guitar, bass, backing vocalsnone mid 1988 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocalsOctober 1988 – June 1992 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Gish (1991) Lull (1991) Peel Sessions (1992)July 1992 – early 1995 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Eric Remschneider – cello Siamese Dream (1993)early 1995 – July 1996 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Jonathan Melvoin – keyboards, backing vocals Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)July 1996 – March 1998 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Matt Walker – drums, percussion Dennis Flemion – keyboards, backing vocals Adore (1998)April – September 1998 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Kenny Aronoff – drums, percussion Mike Garson – piano, keyboards Dan Morris – percussion Stephen Hodges – percussion none October 1998 – early 1999 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Kenny Aronoff – drums, percussion Mike Garson – piano, keyboards early – September 1999 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals D'arcy Wretzky – bass, backing vocals Mike Garson – piano, keyboards Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Machina/The Machines of God (2000)September – December 1999 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards James Iha – guitar, bass, backing vocals Mike Garson – piano, keyboards Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music (2000)December 1999 – December 2000 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards James Iha – guitar, backing vocals Mike Garson – piano, keyboards Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Melissa Auf der Maur – bass, backing vocals none 2000–2006April 2006 – April 2007 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Zeitgeist (2007) April 2007 – October 2008 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards Jimmy Chamberlin – drums, percussion Jeff Schroeder – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards Ginger Reyes – bass, backing vocals Lisa Harriton – keyboards, backing vocals American Gothic (2008)October – December 2008 Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards