The months-long “herculean” hunt for a new member is finally over, and The Smashing Pumpkins have just announced that they’ve found their guitarist!
Having reviewed tens of thousands of applications for the position of their new guitarist, which opened up earlier this year, The Smashing Pumpkins have just announced who got the job.
Joining vocalist/guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin – plus Jack Bates and Katie Cole – on the road this year is new member Kiki Wong, who has been added to their touring line-up and who the Pumpkins themselves describe as a “highly-skilled veteran guitarist”.
Billy has praised his new bandmate Kiki as well as all the other applicants who wanted to join, calling the task of sorting through them all “a herculean, albeit worthy effort”. “First off, I really want to thank everyone who submitted materials for consideration,” Billy says. “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. I can’t wait to hit the road with Kiki as part of our mad circus. It’s definitely an exciting moment for The Smashing Pumpkins to be this busy with touring in 2024. We’ll see you all this summer!”
Kiki adds that, “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. 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. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share the stage with The legendary Smashing Pumpkins!”
Congrats, Kiki! Check out the full announcement below:
And see Kiki in action via her TikTok:
The Smashing Pumpkins will be back in the UK with Weezer this summer, at the following co-headline dates:
June
7 Birmingham Utilita Arena
8 London The O2
10 Dublin 3Arena
12 Glasgow OVO Hydro
13 Manchester Co-op Live
14 Cardiff Castle
