Billy Corgan Finds Summer Job

Former Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, fighting the forces that would have him banished to obscurity, will be part of a series of live shows this summer. No, the once-explosive Pumpkins haven't reformed to make another crappy album.

According to a Corgan spokesperson, he will join veteran U.K. electronic pop group New Order as a touring guitarist for select dates. The dates are said to include four spots on Moby's Area One festival this summer as well as an appearance at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan this July. You can file that one under "rumors and hype" for now.

Not only will Corgan, a long time New Order fan, be playing alongside one of his favourite bands, but he will also be contributing to their seventh album. He can be heard on the track "Turn My Way" from NEWORDERGETREADY, due August 28. The album is the first for New Order since 1993's Republic and a single, "Crystal," is set for a July release date. Other guest stars include Primal Scream, who are returning the favour after Bernard Summer appeared on XTRMNTR and the Chemical Brothers, who oddly enough also guested on the Scream album. Corgan's addition to the New Order lineup will give longtime keyboardist Gillian Gilbert time to tend to her ill young daughter. This will allow the father New Order drummer Stephen Morris to work this summer.

Corgan's summer job will be his first high-profile endeavor since the 'Pumpkins played their final shows in their hometown of Chicago last November.

Unfortunately, he hasn't made any more appearances on wrestling programs as Billy "The Claw" Corgan.

This Story Stolen From Billboard.com