Billy Corgan recorded a live video via the Smashing Pumpkins‘ official Facebook page yesterday, potentially hinting (but alas, only hinting) at a historic band reunion.
The first half of the video update is devoted to Corgan’s work with the TV show Impact Wrestling, but the second half is of more interest to Pumpkin fans. First, Corgan says he’s nearly completed a new solo album, which is “recorded and sorta, mostly done.” Second, he and current Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder are launching an as-yet-unnamed band with collaborators Jack Bates, Katie Cole, Sierra Swan, and Linda Strawberry. Third: “Speaking on Pumpkins, there’s some big stuff happening, so we’re making plans. So I can’t give that away, but it’s going to be interesting.”
Consequence of Sound heard from an unnamed source who says Corgan is seeking to set up a tour next summer, including some festival appearances, although there’s been no confirmation yet. The lead Pumpkin has famously had his differences with the founding lineup, but but the possibility of a full reunion has appeared increasingly likely over the past year. This March, three-quarters of the original band — Corgan, guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin — performed together for the first time in 16 years.
Bassist D’arcy Wretzky has been conspicuously absent from the post-Pumpkins Pumpkins, but she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of rejoining. In April, Corgan posted a friendly message in honor of Wretzky’s birthday. “As I feel speculation start to swirl about what happens next for SP, I’d like to say quite simply and directly that what matters most to Jeff and I is the music,” he wrote. Watch Corgan’s latest video update below.