Jeff Schroeder, longtime guitarist for The Smashing Pumpkins, has quit the band. Schroeder initially joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 when they reformed to record Zeitgeist, and has made the band's recent trilogy Atum: A Rock Opera In Three Acts his final effort.
"It's easy to say now that when I joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 I had no idea what I was getting into," wrote Schroeder. "The opportunity seemed to have come out of nowhere. I was at UCLA working on my doctorate in comparative literature when a close friend messaged me and said that The Smashing Pumpkins were looking for a guitar player. Being a huge fan of the band, the audition was something I threw myself into. It was one of the best decisions I've made in my life."
"The amount of incredible memories created over the last 16 years with the band are almost too numerous to quantify. 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. I want to thank Billy, Jimmy, James and Jack for being both wonderful bandmates and even better friends. I will absolutely miss sharing the stage with you. I wish the band all the success in the future. I will be watching and listening."
The Smashing Pumpkins remaining members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin have commented on Schroeder's departure, saying: "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."
The Smashing Pumpkins have a tour coming up next June with Weezer, so they've got some time to find a replacement. Get those dates below and get your tickets here.
6/7 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena
6/8 – London, UK @ The O2
6/10 – Dublin, IE @ 3Arena
6/12 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
6/13 – Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live
6/14 – Cardiff, UK @ Castle
