Smashing Pumpkins Unveil New Guitarist After Public Callout Received 10,000 Submissions
"I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share the stage with The legendary Smashing Pumpkins!"
The Smashing Pumpkins @ Hordern Pavilion (Credit: Peter Dovgan)
The Smashing Pumpkins have revealed their new guitarist after issuing a public callout that attracted over 10,000 applicants.
The new guitarist is Kiki Wong, a veteran guitarist and online sensation. As NME reports, Wong has amassed 210,000 YouTube subscribers, 1.3 million TikTok followers, and over 667,000 followers on Instagram.
Wong currently plays in the Los Angeles rock band Vigil Of War. Her other notable moments include playing the drums for Taylor Swift at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (on Shake It Off), performing as Bret Michaels’ lead guitarist in a Nissan advertisement and previously playing in the band She Demons.
News of Wong joining the band was shared on social media last night (26 April), with The Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Kiki Wong sharing statements with their followers.
“Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort,” Corgan wrote in a statement. “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.
“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!”
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Kiki 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.”
“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!”
Kiki Wong joins Billy Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, Jack Bates and Katie Cole.
The Bullet With Butterfly Wings rockers announced they were looking for a replacement for Jeff Schroeder, who departed the band in October, via social media.
Citing a need to leave the Smashing Pumpkins to follow a new direction, Schroeder wrote in a joint statement with the band – who farewelled the guitarist alongside his account, “Although it was a very difficult decision to make, I've decided to leave the band to make some space to explore a slightly different path.”
Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlain wrote in response, “We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans. Words can not express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP in the good times and the tough times, too.”
More From Our Network
