After seven years apart, it's been revealed that Smashing Pumpkins' founding drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin, has once again been brought back into the lineup.
A statement from Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan confirms that his longtime pal, who first manned the kit for the band in 1988, will be back to perform on the group's upcoming summer tour with Marilyn Manson. The move follows the recent exit of skinsman Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Black Sabbath).
"We're thrilled Jimmy's back in the saddle this summer to drive a super high-octane set, and it's nice to see the stars aligning around Smashing Pumpkins anew," Corgan said in a press release. He also praised the returned percussionist in USA Today, explaining that "Jimmy's drum parts are so incredibly technical and nuanced that it's a very rare class of people that can step in and play."
Of linking up with the band again, Chamberlin noted, "It's a great opportunity not only to celebrate the music, but to celebrate the friendship and the legacy."
Chamberlin first left the group in 1996, following a heroin overdose during a North American tour. In his absence, Smashing Pumpkins produced the drum machine-heavy Adore in 1998, though he rejoined the act later that year and performed with the group until they disbanded in 2000.
Chamberlin played in Zwan with Corgan, and again in Smashing Pumpkins when they returned in the mid-2000s. He left the group again in 2009, explaining at the time that it was a positive move. He added that he could "no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don't fully possess. I won't pretend I'm into something I'm not."
Smashing Pumpkins play Toronto's Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on August 4. You'll find the rest of the tour route over here.
A statement from Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan confirms that his longtime pal, who first manned the kit for the band in 1988, will be back to perform on the group's upcoming summer tour with Marilyn Manson. The move follows the recent exit of skinsman Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Black Sabbath).
"We're thrilled Jimmy's back in the saddle this summer to drive a super high-octane set, and it's nice to see the stars aligning around Smashing Pumpkins anew," Corgan said in a press release. He also praised the returned percussionist in USA Today, explaining that "Jimmy's drum parts are so incredibly technical and nuanced that it's a very rare class of people that can step in and play."
Of linking up with the band again, Chamberlin noted, "It's a great opportunity not only to celebrate the music, but to celebrate the friendship and the legacy."
Chamberlin first left the group in 1996, following a heroin overdose during a North American tour. In his absence, Smashing Pumpkins produced the drum machine-heavy Adore in 1998, though he rejoined the act later that year and performed with the group until they disbanded in 2000.
Chamberlin played in Zwan with Corgan, and again in Smashing Pumpkins when they returned in the mid-2000s. He left the group again in 2009, explaining at the time that it was a positive move. He added that he could "no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don't fully possess. I won't pretend I'm into something I'm not."
Smashing Pumpkins play Toronto's Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on August 4. You'll find the rest of the tour route over here.
