When Guns ‘N’ Roses’ original lineup reunited back in 2016, it proved that within the realm of music, almost anything is possible. Now, Billy Corgan has spoken out about another one of music’s most desired reformations – the original lineup of The Smashing Pumpkins.
When The Smashing Pumpkins first formed in 1988, the group consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, and bassist D’Arcy Wretzky. Over the years, the group saw numerous lineup changes, including Chamberlin’s departure in 1996, Wretzky’s departure in 1999, and Chamberlin’s rejoining of the group that same year.
When the group broke up in 2001, few thought that they would ever get back together, but Billy Corgan’s desire to continue music under The Smashing Pumpkins name saw him restart the band with a drastically new set of musicians. Since then, fans of the band have been holding out hope that a reformation of the group’s original lineup would one day occur. Now, an interview with Corgan has given fans some renewed hope.
Following news that Billy Corgan has been in contact with both Jimmy Chamberlin and D’Arcy Wretzky, he spoke to TeamRock about the possibility of a reunion. “The tabloidian version of ‘Will it? Won’t it?’ I’m not in that game – I’m in the, ‘Hey, I’m all for it’,” he said. “I don’t have anything to defend, or push aside, it’s none of that. I do hope that whatever it is, it would ring to the public as authentic and well-intended.”
“As I’ve said a few times publicly that I’m interested in the band being creative again.”
“Playing shows is fine – I’m totally cool with the idea that if you come see some iteration of Pumpkins 5.0, it’ll be focused on the ’90s era of work,” he continued. “It’ll be a real celebration – we’ll get the closure we never had. And a 22-year-old who has only ever heard about the myth can come and see it in some form. I think we’d still be fine.”
Back in February, Jimmy Chamberlin held an auction in which he sold various pieces of musical gear that he had used over the years. Then in July, Billy Corgan followed suit, so if there is indeed a reunion of The Smashing Pumpkins’ original lineup, Jimmy and Billy might want to go out and buy some new gear in preparation.
In the meantime, check out the group’s classic single ‘Today’, featuring the most famous version of the group.
