Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesUPDATE: After issuing an open call on their Website, the Smashing Pumpkins announced on Aug. 18, 2009, that 19-year-old Mike Byrne of Portland, Ore., was selected to replace Jimmy Chamberlain. Byrne, chosen from among 1,000-plus applicants, will keep the beat for head Squash Billy Corgan, the lone original member, and the rest of the band in the studio as they record their next album and on tour.
________
The Smashing Pumpkins have just become a one-man band.
Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has exited the group. Frontman Billy Corgan dropped the bomb without further explanation on the Pumpkins' website on Sunday.
"Corgan will continue to write and record as Smashing Pumpkins with plans to head into the studio this spring," the message added.
Chamberlin joined the Chicago-based band in 1988 and played on all their albums except Adore. The 44-year-old musician was previously booted from the Pumpkins in 1996, after overdosing on heroin. He rejoined the core lineup, which also included guitarist James Iha and bassist D'arcy Wretzky, after a stint in rehab.
When their control-freak frontman reconvened the Pumpkins in 2005, Chamberlin agreed to come back, but Iha and Wretzky declined to participate in the recording of 2007's Zeitgeist and the subsequent 20th anniversary tour.
No word what lies in store for the Corgan-centric Pumpkins in the coming years. Let's hope it's still smashing.
(Originally Published March 23, 2009, 11:10 a.m. PT)