The Smashing Pumpkins Name Kiki Wong as New Touring Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins have formally named Kiki Wong as their new touring guitarist following the departure of longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder in Oct.

Earlier this year, the Pumpkins place out an open up contact for guitarists to audition for the group, crafting, “The computer software program is open up to any individual who could be intrigued.”

Quite properly, they have created a choice, and shared the news in a short article on social media.

“The info you have been waiting for has lastly arrived! SP is energized to formally welcome remarkably-competent veteran guitarist Kiki Wong,” they wrote. “Kiki joins the band’s touring lineup of Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and James Iha, collectively with mainstays Jack Bates and Katie Cole. Try to remember to be a portion of us in welcoming Kiki to the SP spouse and kids.”

Every single frontman Billy Corgan and Wong furnished supplemental statements, which have been incorporated in the publish as nicely. Corgan thanked all of the musicians who auditioned for the function, and admitted that it was a challenging final choice.

“I was a supporter of Kiki’s just ahead of she submitted her title to be regarded — and it is terrific that a individual of her acumen will be portion of our touring relatives,” he elaborated.

Wong, on the other hand, wrote, “I hardly ever believed minor ole 15-year-outdated me participating in steel guitar in my bed area would quantity to this immediate. It goes to present hard do the job and perseverance essentially pays off if you are prepared to push by way of the difficult stuff, so hardly ever shed hope out there.”

See each statements in complete beneath.

Go via Far far more: The Smashing Pumpkins’ 2024 North American Tour Dates

Schroeder Nevertheless left the Band to ‘Explore a Slightly Different Path’

When Schroeder announced his departure from the Smashing Pumpkins, he described that it was because he wanted to “investigate a marginally diverse path.” He knowledgeable joined the band in 2007 after Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin reunited to record Zeitgeist. 

Kiki Wong’s Profession

In accordance to Wong’s web site, she commenced actively playing piano at six years outdated, and purchased her initially guitar when she as 13. Quickly just after graduating college, she joined the band Nylon Pink, and afterwards knowledgeable the choice to delight in guitar for massive pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Usher.

In addition to the Smashing Pumpkins, Wong at the moment performs guitar for the Los Angeles-centered group Vigil of War.