The
Smashing Pumpkins reunion that
Billy Corgan alluded to
last June appears to
finally be taking shape. But don't expect all four original band members to be present:
In the clearest sign yet that Billy Corgan is reviving seminal alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins, sources say he and Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are set to begin work on a new studio album.
Original members James Iha (guitar) and D'arcy Wretzky (bass), recent targets of Corgan's venom, are not participating in the reunion at this point. But sources say multi-instrumentalist Billy Mohler will be involved in some fashion. Mohler formerly played bass in pop/rock act The Calling and contributed to Chamberlin's 2005 solo album, "Life Begins Again."
Although no official announcements have been made, a tour is expected for later this year. The band is also rumored to be a potential headliner for August's Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.
Corgan first hinted at the "revival" in a full-page ad in Chicago newspapers last summer. The ad appeared on the same day Corgan's solo debut CD, "
The Future Embrace," hit stores. To date, that album has sold only 39,000 copies.
Contacted for comment on the rumors, a Corgan spokesperson said there was nothing to report at this time.
[Yahoo! News] Corgan, Chamberlin revive Smashing Pumpkins