List of the Smashing Pumpkins band members

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The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins perform on a brightly lit stage with a large metal flower hanging over them. From left to right: Nicole Fiorentino—a brunette Caucasian woman wearing a dress—looks at her black bass guitar, Mike Byrne plays a silver drum kit obscured behind his drums, Billy Corgan—a bald, middle-aged Caucasian man wearing a sriped t-shirt and dark pants—plays guitar, and Jeff Schroeder—a Korean male in his 30s with brunette hair—looks at his guitar while playing.
2010 line-up of The Smashing Pumpkins (left to right): Nicole Fiorentino, Billy Corgan, and Jeff Schroeder performing at the Orbit Room on July 8, 2010
Background information
GenresAlternative rock
Years active1988–2000; 2006–present
MembersBilly Corgan
Jeff Schroeder
Past membersJames Iha
D'arcy Wretzky
Jimmy Chamberlin
Melissa Auf der Maur
Ginger Reyes
Nicole Fiorentino
Mike Byrne

The Smashing Pumpkins are 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. Since its inception, The Smashing Pumpkins has gone through multiple line-up changes, with Corgan the only consistent member.

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.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3] On August 10, 1988, the band played for the first time as a trio at the Avalon Nightclub.[4] 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.[4] On October 5, 1988, the complete band took the stage for the first time at the Cabaret Metro.[4]

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 ensuring tour. However, on July 11, 1996, Melvion 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.[5] 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.[1]

In early 1999, Jimmy Chamberlin rejoined the band; however, the lineup was short-lived, as bassist D'arcy Wretzky announced her departure that September.[6] 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.[7] 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 to announce that he had planned to reunite the band.[8] On April 20, 2006, the band's official website confirmed the reunion.[9] Corgan and Chamberlin were verified as participants in the reunion, but there was question as to 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.[10][11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

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;[14] Chamberlin stated that the split was amicable, commenting that he was "glad [Corgan] has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right."[15] Corgan later stated that he fired Chamberlin and began searching for his replacement.[16] In August 2009, Corgan confirmed on the band's website that drummer Mike Byrne had replaced Chamberlin after a series of open auditions.[17] Keyboardist Lisa Harriton quietly left the group in 2009.[18] In March 2010, bassist Ginger Reyes (now Ginger Pooley) officially left the band in order to focus on her family[18] and was briefly replaced by Mark Tulin of The Electric Prunes. In May 2010, Nicole Fiorentino was announced as the official replacement for Pooley.[19] However, she was later dismissed from the band in 2014.

Members

Current

As of 2014, the official lineup of The Smashing Pumpkins includes one vocalist/guitarist and one rhythm guitarist.

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
A worm's eye view picture of Billy Corgan—a middle-aged Caucasian male with a shaved head, wearing a black jumpsuit and playing guitar onstage Billy Corgan 1988–2000, 2006–present vocals, lead guitar, keyboards All of The Smashing Pumpkins' releases.
Jeff Schroeder—a Korean adult male—plays guitar in a white jumpsuit Jeff Schroeder 2007–present rhythm guitar, backing vocals Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009 onward)

Former

The former members of The Smashing Pumpkins consist of two bassists, one guitarist, and two drummers.

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
James Iha—a Japanese adult male with shoulder-length hair with white highlights—sits crossed-legged on a stool wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. James Iha 1988–2000 guitar, backing vocals All of The Smashing Pumpkins' releases until Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music (2000)
A closeup of Jimmy Chamberlin—a middle-aged Caucasian male—smiling Jimmy Chamberlin 1988–1996, 1999–2000, 2006–2009 drums, percussion backing vocals All of The Smashing Pumpkins' releases from 1991 to 1996, 1999 to 2008.
A worm's eye view shot of D'arcy Wretzky—a Caucasian female with short blond hair, wearing a black suit and black horns on her head—plays bass guitar on stage. D'arcy Wretzky 1988–1999 bass guitar, backing vocals All of The Smashing Pumpkins' releases until Machina/The Machines of God (2000)
Melissa Auf der Maur—a Caucasian woman with long red hair wearing a red top and leather skirt—plays bass guitar and sings into a microphone Melissa Auf der Maur 1999–2000 bass guitar, backing vocals Greatest Hits Video Collection, Judas O
Nicole Fiorentino—a brunette Caucasian woman with long hair—plays bass guitar onstage and is wearing a dress, fishnet stockings, and boots Nicole Fiorentino 2010–2014 bass guitar, backing vocals Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014)
Mike Byrne—a Caucasian male 20 years old with short brunette hair with a grey t-shirt—drums behind a red drum kit. Mike Byrne 2009–2014 drums, percussion, backing vocals Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014)

Former touring musicians

The Smashing Pumpkins has employed numerous touring musicians throughout its career. The following members accompanied the band in a live setting, while providing few, if any, studio contributions.

Image Name Years active Instruments Reference(s)
—
 Eric Remschneider 1992–1994 cello [20][21]
—
 Jonathan Melvoin 1995–1996 keyboards [22]
—
 Matt Walker 1996–1997 drums, percussion [22][23]
—
 Dennis Flemion 1996–1997 keyboards [22]
Kenny Aronoff—a middle-aged Caucasian male with a shaved head—smiles in a profile shot while standing in front of a drum set and posters of himself performing. Kenny Aronoff 1998–1999 drums, percussion [24]
—
 Dan Morris 1998–1999 percussion [25]
—
 Stephen Hodges 1998–1999 percussion [25]
A three-quarters view of Mike Garson—a Caucasian male with a shaved head wearing a suit and sunglasses—seated at a piano Mike Garson 1998–1999, 2000 piano, keyboards [26]
—
 Chris Holmes 2000 keyboards, vocoder [27]
Lisa Harriton—a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length brown hair—plays keyboards onstage Lisa Harriton 2007–2009 keyboards [28]
Ginger Reyes—a Caucasian woman in her late 20s with long brunette hair—plays bass guitar on stage wearing a white dress and white cowboy boots. Ginger Reyes 2007–2010 bass guitar, backing vocals [18]
Mark Tulin—a middle-aged Caucasian man with long brown hair in a grey shirt–plays a bass guitar. Mark Tulin 2010 bass guitar [29]
—
 Linda Strawberry 2010 keyboards [30]

Former temporary touring musicians

In 2008, The Smashing Pumpkins temporary employed additional live musicians who only played a handful of shows with the band.

Image Name Years active Instruments Reference(s)
Stephen Bradley 2008 trumpet [31]
Gabrial McNair—a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a button-up pinstripe white shirt—plays trombone Gabrial McNair 2008 trombone [32]
Khristopher Pooley—a Caucasian male wearing a suit and sunglasses—plays keyboards onstage.
 Kristopher Pooley 2008 keyboards, accordion [32]
Gingger Shankar—an Indian woman in a black dress and black boots, with long black hair—plays 10-string violin onstage.
 Gingger Shankar 2008 10-string violin [32]

Timeline

References

General
  • Erlewine, Stephen Thomas; Prato, Greg. "Biography of Smashing Pumpkins". Allmusic. Retrieved July 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  • Azerrad, Michael. "Smashing Pumpkins' Sudden Impact". Rolling Stone. October 1, 1993.
  • DeRogatis, Jim. Milk It!: Collected Musings on the Alternative Music Explosion of the 90's. Cambridge: Da Capo, 2003. ISBN 0-306-81271-1
  • Kot, Greg. "Pumpkin Seeds". Guitar World. January 2002.
  • Thompson, Dave. "Smashing Pumpkins", in Alternative Rock. San Francisco: Miller Freeman, 2000. ISBN 0-87930-607-6
Specific
  1. ^ a b Kot, Greg. "Pumpkin Seeds", Guitar World. January 2002.
  2. ^ "From Fighting to Smashing", Washington Post. November 19, 1993.
  3. ^ Kelly, Christina. "Smashing Pumpkins: The Multi-Platinum Band Is Over the Infighting But Can the Harmony Last?", US Weekly. December 1, 1995
  4. ^ a b c "Jimmy Chamberlin [interview]", Modern Drummer. January 1994.
  5. ^ Errico, Marcus (1996-07-17). "Smashing Pumpkins Drum Out Jimmy Chamberlin". Eonline.com. Retrieved 2006-06-21.
  6. ^ "D'Arcy Exits Smashing Pumpkins". Billboard.com. 1999-09-10. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
  7. ^ Newman, Melinda, and Jonathan Cohen (2000-05-24). "Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins To Break Up". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2006-05-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Corgan, Billy. "A Message to Chicago from Billy Corgan", Chicago Tribune, June 21, 2005.
  9. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2006-04-21). "Smashing Pumpkins Site Says "It's Official"—Band Has Reunited". MTV.com. Retrieved 2006-06-28.
  10. ^ Goodman, Elizabeth (2007-04-06). "Exclusive: James Iha Speaks Out Regarding His Involvement in Pumpkins Reunion". RollingStone.com. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  11. ^ "Movers and Shakers in Canadian Arts". TheGlobeAndMail.com. 2007-04-23. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
  12. ^ Micallef, Ken. "The Evolution of Jimmy Chamberlin: Still Smashing!" Modern Drummer. November 2007.
  13. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (2007-04-22). "Smashing Pumpkins Return To The Stage In Paris". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  14. ^ Prince, David J. (2009-03-20). "Smashing Pumpkins Sheds Chamberlin; Billy Corgan Heads To Studio All Alone". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
  15. ^ "Jimmy Talks About Leaving Pumpkins". Idiomag.com. 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2009-03-30.
  16. ^ "Billy Corgan on Pumpkins' Split, “Loving” Jessica Simpson: Preview the Story". Rolling Stone. March 3, 2010.
  17. ^ Associated Press (2009-08-19). "The Smashing Pumpkins Replace Drummer". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2009-08-26.
  18. ^ a b c Keith Phipps (2010-03-09). "Help Wanted: Pumpkins". AVClub.com. Retrieved 2010-03-09.
  19. ^ "Smashing Pumpkins Acknowledge Report Identifying New Bassist". HipstersUnited.com. 2010-05-08.
  20. ^ "stage banter, 1992/07/23". spfc.org. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  21. ^ "Smashing Pumpkins Live at Downing Stadium on 1994-08-06 (August 6, 1994)". Live Music Archive. archive.org. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  22. ^ a b c "New Pumpkins Are "All Smiles"". MTV. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  23. ^ Pareles, Jon (September 18, 1996). "POP REVIEW — Smashing Pumpkins, Changed and Charging". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  24. ^ "Pumpkins Line Up Single, European Tour Before Hitting H.O.R.D.E." MTV. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  25. ^ a b "NEWS — NEW TOUR DATES!". Virgin Records. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
  26. ^ "GOURD VIBRATIONS THE PUMPKINS REVERT TO SMASHING MODE AT RADIO CITY". New York: NY Daily News. 1998-08-03. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  27. ^ "Search Results: Smashing Pumpkins + Chris Holmes". Live Music Archive. archive.org. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
  28. ^ Perry, Jonathan (2008-11-15). "War and peace with the Smashing Pumpkins". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  29. ^ Smashing Pumpkins: 'There Are Always More Riffs Than Words' Ultimate-Guitar.com. 2010-04-26.
  30. ^ http://twitter.com/lindastrawberry/status/12522920398
  31. ^ "Review: Smashing Pumpkins at Gibson Amphitheatre". LA Times. 2008-12-03. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  32. ^ a b c "Smashing Pumpkins Expand Tour Lineup". Vintage Guitar Magazine. 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
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