The Smashing Pumpkins

Subject: The Smashing Pumpkins Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:56 am

Quote :: The Smashing Pumpkins are a four-piece alternative rock band originally formed in Chicago. They were formed in 1988 by 4 core members namely Billy Corgan the lead singer and guitarist, James Iha on guitar and backing vocals, D'arcy Wretzky on bass and backing vocals and Jimmy Chamberlin as the drum and percussion player. While they had a somewhate troubled relationship the band members remained largely the same until 1996 when Jonathan Melvoin the touring keyboardist overdosed on heroin with Chamberlain. Melvoin sadly died from the incident and Chamberlain was arrested for possesion and subsequently fired from the band.
The three remaining members then continued The Smashing Pumpkins through until 1999 when Jimmy Chamberlain was invited back following an extensive rehabilition. It wasn't long until they lost a different member though as D'Arcy Wretzky left the band early in the 2000. The band drafted in Melissa Auf der Maur to play bass for the tour that year, which proved to be their last. On December 2nd the band played their final gig in The Metro, Chicago, the same venue that they played their first.
Through the duration of their career, The Smashing Pumpkins recorded several albums, with their last (Machina) in 2000 being widely regarded as the best. The band also made an appearance in a 1996 episode of the comedy series The Simpsons.
In April 2006 it was announced that The Smashing Pumpkins were to be reformed. Corgan and Chamberlain are already reunited and writing new material while Auf der Maur, their 2000 touring bassist has expressed an interest should Wretzky not join up with the band. No word has been heard from her, or from James Iha.

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