Now-former Smashing Pumpkin Jimmy Chamberlin has spoken out about his decision to leave the band, calling the departure "a positive move."
In a new blog entry, the drummer said he can "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. I can't just 'Cash the check,' so to speak."
As previously reported, Chamberlin's comments come after he officially said goodbye to the Smashing Pumpkins late last week, leaving Billy Corgan as the only original member standing. Corgan plans to record a new Chamberlin-less Pumpkins record this spring, while the drummer said he will continue on with his own project, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
Here is Chamberlin's blog post in full:
By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details, that this represents a positive move forward for me. I can 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. I won't do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can't just "Cash the check," so to speak. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. I'm sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music. My best goes out to Billy and I'm glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right. I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, as well as pursuing other musical interests. I feel that I have a long way to go and a lot to give. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support through all of this. I am constantly humbled by all of you! It is an honor and a privilege to play music for a living and I don't take it for granted, not even for a second.
In a new blog entry, the drummer said he can "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. I can't just 'Cash the check,' so to speak."
As previously reported, Chamberlin's comments come after he officially said goodbye to the Smashing Pumpkins late last week, leaving Billy Corgan as the only original member standing. Corgan plans to record a new Chamberlin-less Pumpkins record this spring, while the drummer said he will continue on with his own project, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
Here is Chamberlin's blog post in full:
By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details, that this represents a positive move forward for me. I can 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. I won't do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can't just "Cash the check," so to speak. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. I'm sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music. My best goes out to Billy and I'm glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right. I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, as well as pursuing other musical interests. I feel that I have a long way to go and a lot to give. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support through all of this. I am constantly humbled by all of you! It is an honor and a privilege to play music for a living and I don't take it for granted, not even for a second.