Smashing Pumpkins reveal new guitarist after receiving over 10,000 public applications
The Smashing Pumpkins have revealed their new guitarist after receiving over 10,000 public applications to fill in the spot.
At the beginning of the year, frontman Billy Corgan launched a search for an additional guitarist and anyone interested was encouraged to apply. The call for guitarists generated over 10,000 applications. The position came up after longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder announced that was leaving the band last October.
After narrowing down the applications, a small group of finalists auditioned for the position in person in Los Angeles last month. The iconic alternative rock band chose veteran session musician and Youtube sensation Kiki Wong as their new guitarist.
Wong has performed with Taylor Swift at the 2014 VMA’s, Usher at CBS’s Fashion Rocks Fall 2014 and was the lead guitarist for Bret Michaels in a commercial for Nissan. She has also performed with rock bands Nylon Pink, Hellfire Heart, and currently, Vigil of War.
The veteran guitarist has 210,000 subscribers on YouTube, 1.3million followers on TikTok and 667K followers on Instagram.
Speaking about choosing Wong as their new guitarist in a statement, Corgan said: “Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort. First off, I really want to thank everyone who submitted materials for consideration. 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.”
He continued: “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!”
Wong added: “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.”
She continued: “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!”
The news you have been waiting for has finally arrived!
SP is excited to officially welcome highly-skilled veteran guitarist Kiki Wong. Kiki joins the band’s touring lineup of Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and James Iha, along with mainstays Jack Bates and Katie Cole. pic.twitter.com/kCh9cgPavD— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) April 26, 2024
Wong will join the band – comprised of Corgan, guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, plus touring members Jack Bates (bass) and Katie Cole (guitar, keys, vocals) – in the UK and Europe at the beginning of June where they will make their debut as a new lineup. Check out a full list of tour dates below and visit here to purchase UK tickets and here to purchase US tickets.
The Smashing Pumpkins tour 2024 tour dates are:
JUNE
7 – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena ^
8 – London, UK, The O2 ^
10 – Dublin, IE, 3Arena ^
12 – Glasgow, UK, Hydro ^
13 – Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live ^
14 – Cardiff, UK, Cardiff Castle ^
16 – Paris, FR, Accor Arena *
19 – Moenschenglabach, DE, Sparkassenpark (outdoor) ^^
21 – Hannover, DE, ZAG Arena ^^
22 – Berlin, DE, Wuhlheide ^^
24 – Vienna, AT, Stadthalle ^^
26 – Zagreb, HR, Inmusic Festival
28 – Luxembourg, Luxexpo ^^
29 – Rotterdam, NL, Ahoy ^^
30 – Antwerp, BE, Live is Live
JULY
2 – Gilwice, PL, PreZero Arena Gilwice ^^
4 – Prague, CZ, 02 Universum
6 – Lucca, IT, Lucca Festival *
10 – Madrid, ES, Mad Cool Festival
11 – Lisbon, PT, Nos Alive
13 – Barcelona, ES, Cruilla Festival
16 – Athens, GR, OAKA Indoor Arena *
29 – Washington, DC, Nationals Park #
31 – Muskoka, ON, Kee to Bala
AUGUST
1 – Toronto, ON, Rogers Centre #
3 – Montreal, Quebec, Osheaga Festival
4 – Bangor, ME, Maine Savings Bank Amphitheatre %
5 – New York, NY, Citi Field #
7 – Boston, MA, Fenway Park #
9 – Philadelphia, PA, Citizens Bank Park #
10 – Hershey, PA, HersheyPark Stadium #
13 – Chicago, IL, Wrigley Field #
14 – Kansas City, MO, Starlight Theatre !
16 – Springfield, IL, Illinois State Fair !
17 – Minneapolis, MN, Target Field #
20 – Des Moines, IA, Vibrant Music Hall %
21 – St. Louis, MO, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre !
22 – Cincinnati, OH, Great American Ballpark #
24 – Milwaukee, WI, American Family Field #
27 – Simpsonville, SC, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park !
28 – Atlanta, GA, Truist Park #
30 – Nashville, TN, Geodis Park #
SEPTEMBER
1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PNC Park #
4 – Detroit, MI @ Comerica Park #
7 – Denver, CO @ Coors Field #
10 – Southaven, MS @ BankPlus Amphitheatre at Snowden Grove !
11 – Arlington, TX @ Globe Life Field #
14 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium #
18 – Phoenix, AZ @ Chase Field #
20 – San Francisco, CA @ Oracle Park #
21 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort %
23 – Seattle, WA @ T-Mobile Park #
24 – Airway Heights, WA @ BECU Live at Northern Quest
25 – Portland, OR @ Providence Park #
27 – Las Vegas, NV @ BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas at Fontainebleau !
28 – San Diego, CA @ Petco Park #
^ = w/ Weezer
* = w/ Tom Morello
^^ = w/ Interpol
# = w/ Green Day, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas
% = w/ Glorious Sons
! = w/ PVRIS
In other news, Corgan and his family have said they are “thrilled” to announce a new reality TV show about his wrestling career.
The singer has been the president of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) since 2017, and in February the company shared details of a new streaming deal with The CW.
The post Smashing Pumpkins reveal new guitarist after receiving over 10,000 public applications appeared first on NME.
Anagricel Duran
NME
