Smashing Pumpkins Set Up Open Auditions for New Guitarist
Do you play guitar? Do you know every tiny intricacy of “Cherub Rock,” “Hummer,” and “Bullet With Butterfly Wings?” Are you looking for work? Will your schedule allow you to spend the summer and early fall playing arenas and stadiums across Europe and North America? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you might want to apply for a new job posting by the Smashing Pumpkins.
“The Smashing Pumpkins are in search of an additional guitarist,” they wrote on Twitter. “The application process is open to anyone who might be interested. Applicants may submit a resume and related material to SPGuitar@redlightmanagement.com.”
The job is open because Jeff Schroeder, who played with the band from their 2006 reformation all the way through 2023, recently departed the group. “The amount of incredible memories created over the last 16 years with the band are almost too numerous to quantify,” Schroeder wrote to fans in October. “Although it was a very difficult decision to make, I’ve decided to leave the band to make some space to explore a slightly different path.”
“We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans,” the band wrote in response. “Words can not express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP in the good times and the tough times, too.”
Many fans assumed that the group would opt not to replace Schroeder since original guitarist James Iha returned to the fold in 2018, and they got along quite fine with just two guitarists from their formation in 1988 all the way through 2018. But it seems like Billy Corgan enjoyed the extra layer of instrumentation over the past few years.
Schroeder’s final performance with the Smashing Pumpkins took place September 17, 2023, when they played Siamese Dream straight through at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse in Highland Park, Illinois, to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary. Their sole appearance since that night was a special Christmas performance of “Evergreen” and “Silver Bells” at Disney World on November 11, 2023.
“I work in the world of professional wrestling and when you’re a big fan of professional wrestling, they call you a mark,” Corgan said. “So I’m a Disney mark. I collect old Disneyland items. I have stuff from back on the opening day in 1955. So when they called me to come play Disney, I’m like, whatever you need.”
Pumpkins bassist Jack Bates was unable to make the show since he was touring Europe with his father’s group Peter Hook and the Light, so Sierra Swan – who toured with the band between 2016 and 2017 – subbed for the day.
The Pumpkins have just a few months to find a new guitarist. They kick off a European tour with Weezer on June 7 in Birmingham, England. On July 29, they return to North America for the Saviors stadium tour alongside Green Day, Rancid, and the Linda Lindas.
