Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan looking for bassist/keyboardist

(AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA)

Billy Corgan is in search of two band members to complete The Smashing Pumpkins lineup, according to an announcement on the band's website March 9. Bassists and keyboardists interested in playing with the band are invited to send in background info for the chance to compete in an open audition process.

Corgan previously relied on open auditions to recruit the band's current drummer, Mike Byrne, who was 19 when he earned the role, after original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain left the band. Now, bassist Ginger Pooley is ready to leave the band to raise a family, and bassist Mark Tulin of The Electric Prunes is filling in on an interim basis.

As for the keyboardist, Corgan wishes to add to the band's ever-changing lineup, potential recruits are asked to come equipped with a progressive rock style along the lines of Deep Purple's Jon Lord and Yes's Rick Wakeman.

Says Corgan of the auditions, "We were lucky enough to find drummer Mike Byrne through an open audition process, so why not open the doors again to anyone who might be interested for the bass or keyboard position. As you can see from our past and present, age, race, or a person's background is not an issue. Everyone is truly welcome to audition."

Interested musicians are asked to send background info (including age, a resume of any bands/recorded work), photos, and performance web links to pumpkinsbass@gmail.com or pumpkinskeys@gmail.com by March 31.

The band also revealed that that world tour dates are soon to be announced. Corgan is currently at work on a 44-song project called Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, of which three songs have been released so far.

http://www.smashingpumpkins.com