Here’s How to Apply to Be The Smashing Pumpkins’ New Guitarist
Billy Corgan is looking for a new guitarist for The Smashing Pumpkins, and he wants you to apply. It’s true. Corgan and the Pumpkins took to Instagram Friday (Jan. 5) to ask fans to send their stuff in to be consider for the gig.
The Smashing Pumpkins parted ways with longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder in October 2023. The band said on socials that anyone interested in being their new guitarist may apply. They added that if you’re interested, to “please send a resume and any related materials to SPGuitar@redlightmanagement.com.” Sounds easy, right?
At the time Schroeder left the band, he and the Pumpkins released a joint statement, explaining, “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. I wish the band all the success in the future. I will be watching and listening.” The remaining band members added, “We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans. 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.”
The current lineup
The Smashing Pumpkins’ current lineup includes Corgan, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Both Chamberlin and Iha officially rejoined the Pumpkins in February 2018, helping to gel more of the band’s “classic” lineup. Moreover, the reunited lineup released a collection of albums together, all of which Schroeder played on. Those include Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018), Cyr (2020) and Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts, the latter of which arrived in three installments in 2022 and 2023.
Whoever joins the band won’t be the only guitarist, as Iha and Corgan both play guitar as well. What’s more, that’s why the band’s social post clarifies that, “The Smashing Pumpkins are in search of an additional guitarist.” You’ll also be on tour with Green Day this summer, as the Pumpkins are on that tour.
