Billy Corgan talks Smashing Pumpkins reunion rumors, shades D'arcy Wretzky
[Photo by: Lisa Johnson]
The Smashing Pumpkins reunion has yet to be officially confirmed but there's already drama afoot. In a new Instagram post, frontman Billy Corgan downplays ex-bassist D'arcy Wretzky's contributions to the '90s alt-rock juggernaut after the former member confirmed she won't be taking part in the assumed reassembling of the band's classic lineup.
Read more: Billy Corgan teases Smashing Pumpkins reunion
Amid the reunion rumors, prompted by various Instagram shots showing Corgan in the studio with SP co-founders Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha, Wretzky said she wasn't invited to the get-together. “My apologies to all of the Smashing Pumpkins fans out there who are excited about this oncoming reunion tour of the original members,” she told BlastEcho. “I know this is a huge disappointment for me, as well, but it's not going to happen [with me].”
Over the weekend, leaked images of a photo shoot apparently featuring Corgan, Chamberlin, Iha and later-period SP guitarist Jeff Schroeder all but corroborated a Pumpkins reunion, with Schroeder seemingly in the place of Wretzky. Now, in a new post, the Pumpkins' lead vocalist and mainstay member addresses that furtive photo shoot—as well as Schroeder's inclusion—while taking the opportunity to throw some thinly-veiled shade Wretzky's way.
“Saturday, I was high in the hills of Topanga, overlooking the ocean on a beautiful, sunny day, and according to some reports (based on photos taken or leaked) I am now a bassist,” Corgan writes in the post. “I mean, yes, I have played bass on many of your fave songs but I'm not sure I can play bass and sing at the same time? But perhaps I can try someday.“
Is that a dig at Wretzky? If it's not, the Smashing Pumpkins mastermind certainly zeroes in on some serious shade after sarcastically wondering if Iha or Schroeder can play the bass guitar. “Other reports have [Jeff Schroeder]… as a budding bassist,” offers Corgan. “Which is interesting, because though Jeff doesn't mind plucking at four strings if needed, I know he would much prefer the dulcet tones of six. … [James Iha], on the other hand, well, I haven't seen him pick up a bass since Machina (which he played a fair share on, despite reports claiming a certain 'flaxen Saxxon' did; and, as you know with much that is written, is patently f-a-l-s-e).”
As surmised by Consequence Of Sound, the “flaxen Saxxon” referred to therein is ostensibly D'arcy Wretzky, and Corgan is saying the ex-member didn't play much bass on the band's fifth studio album, 2000's Machina/The Machines of God, insinuating that Iha instead handled four-string duties on the lineup's last major label album before their initial breakup.
Corgan adds, “Live in the present. There truly is no past (but that which lives in your mind), and the future too is but a dream. So kindly, truly, embrace the life you are living today. Which reminds me of a song that I also played bass on…”
OK, so, Corgan played bass on “Today“? It's long been rumored that he handled Wretzky's parts on 1993's Siamese Dream, and it seems he's affirming that here. Still, who will be playing bass with the Pumpkins for this (rumored) reunion tour? Perhaps a live member will be installed for future gigs but, for now, we're assuming Mr. Corgan himself is handling the low end in the studio.
See Corgan's post below:
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