Ever since ex-Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan announced last summer that his “heart is in the Smashing Pumpkins (read more), rock pundits across the globe have been speculating about an actual Pumpkins reunion. Former Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, who recently spent time in the studio with Corgan working on a track for her new solo album, claims the Pumpkins’ return is a go. “From what I understand, Billy [will be] making a Pumpkins record over the next little while,” Auf Der Maur told MTV.com. “Everyone knows Billy doesn’t need too many people to make a Pumpkins record.”
Auf Der Maur also said that former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin will be part of the new project. It’s unclear whether original bassist D’Arcy Wretzky (Auf Der Maur replaced Wretzky in 1999) or guitarist James Iha will return to the Pumpkin fold, but Auf Der Maur herself has offered up her services to Corgan if he needs them. Regardless of the timing of the new reunion, Melissa seems certain that grunge is going to be the new new wave: “As we know, grunge is about to come back,” she postulated. “The ’80s trend is almost done and we’re about to hit 1990 again. It’s scary to think, but very true.”
Billy Corgan official site
Melissa Auf Der Maur official site
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