Billy Corgan: Last Pumpkin Standing

Jimmy Chamberlin out of band without explanation, leaving Billy Corgan sole remaning member of core lineup

By Josh Grossberg Mar 23, 2009 6:10 PMTags
Billy Corgan, Jimmy ChamberlinFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

The Smashing Pumpkins have just become a one-man band.

Drummer Jimmy Chamerlain has exited the group. Head squash 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.

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