Following an open application process that drew over 10,000 submissions, the Smashing Pumpkins have revealed their new guitarist.
Today, the long-running alt-rock outfit have announced that guitarist and social media star Kiki Wong will be their newest member following the departure of Jeff Schroeder, who had played and recorded with the band for 16 years.
"Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort. First off, I really want to thank everyone who submitted materials for consideration," vocalist-guitarist Billy Corgan said in a statement Friday.
"It wasn't an easy decision with how much great guitar playing we were lucky enough to hear and see over the past few months. I was a fan of Kiki's before she submitted her name to be considered — and it's great that someone of her acumen will be part of our touring family."
"It's been an absolute wild ride, but I am beyond honoured and humbled to be chosen to perform alongside some of rock's greatest and most influential musicians of all time," Wong shared in a respective statement. "I never thought little ole 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment. It goes to show hard work and perseverance truly pays off if you're willing to push through the tough stuff, so never lose hope out there."
Wong had previously been a member of Los Angeles rock outfit Vigil of War, and currently holds an audience of over 1.3 million TikTok followers. Naturally, the Pumpkins' announcement post is littered with irrationally bothered men in the comments questioning the artist's talent and the Pumpkins' selection process. Gross!
It's expected that Wong will make her debut with the Smashing Pumpkins on the band's summer tour dates, including a North American tour with Green Day and an Ontario stop at Muskoka's KEE to Bala.
The guitarist joins a touring lineup featuring Corgan, founding Pumpkins members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, keyboardist Katie Cole, and bassist Jack Bates.
