Smashing Pumpkins News

Smashing Pumpkins pick new drummer after open call

AP, Aug 18, 2009 12:00 pm PDT
Drum roll, please. The Smashing Pumpkins have a new member of the band.

The band posted on its Web site that 19-year-old Mike Byrne of Portland was chosen from the more than 1,000 drummers who responded to the group's open call to replace Jimmy Chamberlin.

Frontman Billy Corgan says Byrne has "that X-factor that all the great drummers have, a stunning blend of power, speed, and grace."

Byrne, who started the drums at 11, will play on the Grammy-winning alternative rock band's next album and go on tour. He saw the Pumpkins when they toured Portland two years ago and says the opportunity he's been given is a dream come true.

More Artist News

Smashing Pumpkins announce open call for drummers

Apr 1, 2009 2:00 pm PDT

Smashing Pumpkins have issued a statement saying that they are seeking a drummer to replace Jimmy Chamberlin, who left the band last week. Billy Corgan and company will hold auditions next Friday (April 10) in Los Angeles. They have asked...

Billy Corgan: Last Pumpkin Standing

Mar 23, 2009 12:00 pm PDT

The Smashing Pumpkins have just become a one-man band. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has exited the group. Head squash Billy Corgan dropped the bomb without further explanation on the Pumpkins' website on Sunday. "Corgan will continue...

Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin leaves Smashing Pumpkins

Mar 23, 2009 7:00 am PDT

Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has left the Smashing Pumpkins. Chamberlin's departure is posted on the Smashing Pumpkins' Web site. The announcement didn't say why the 44-year-old Chamberlin left the group. Chamberlin joined the Grammy-winning...

Smashing Pumpkins sheds Chamberlin

Mar 21, 2009 1:00 am PDT

Billy Corgan announced Friday (March 20) that he is heading into the studio to record a new Smashing Pumpkins album without any of his original bandmates. Jimmy Chamberlin, the group's original drummer and the only original Pumpkin to...

Rock vets unite in new band

Feb 17, 2009 9:00 pm PST

Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, Hanson's Taylor Hanson and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger have formed a new band, Tinted Windows. The group has recorded its debut album at ...

1-6 of 23 videos