File: The Smashing Pumpkins Reunion [Updated]
The Smashing Pumpkins circa 1990
Longtime fans of The Smashing Pumpkins hopes of a full reunion were dashed last month when ex-bassist D’Arcy Wretzky revealed to website BlastEcho.com that she was not invited to participate in the band’s reunion tour with co-founders Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin which will allegedly take place this summer. Speaking exclusively to BlastEcho via text, Wretzky wrote, “My apologies to all of the Smashing Pumpkins fans out there who are excited about this oncoming reunion tour of the original members of the band. I know this is a huge disappointment for me, as well, but it’s not going to happen [with me].” She added, “I only just found about [it] yesterday that the band has decided to go with a different bass player.”
Since the first report in January, both Wretzky and the original band members have issued statements via Instagram and indirectly on Facebook stating that a reunion announcement will take place on February 15th with Wretzky excluded as bass player for the reunion tour.
IE received a statement from a Smashing Pumpkins spokesperson Monday night (via the band’s PR firm) seemingly confirming that the band is not including Wretzky in its immediate reunion plans:
“In reuniting The Smashing Pumpkins, the band’s dedication remains to its fans and its music. To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and William Corgan haven’t played a show with D’arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it’s not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon.”
Early Tuesday morning (Feb 13th), website AlternativeNation.net posted text messages supplied by Wretzky in response to the band’s statement on February 12, including an indication that Jack Bates would be playing bass in Wretzky’s absence on the reunion tour.
As the drama continues to unfold between D’Arcy Wretzky and the Smashing Pumpkins, former bassist Wretzky granted an extensive interview with AlternativeNation.net detailing her strained relationship with Billy Corgan when the band was was active during the 1990’s, and difficult developments of SP’s current reunion.
As expected, The Smashing Pumpkins reunion tour with Corgan, Iha and Chamberlin was announced on February 15th, with a Chicago appearance slated for August 13th. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Friday Feb 23rd.
