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.
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.
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...
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 ...