Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Looks Real This Time

Settle The Feud
A Fiery Furnaces
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Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Looks Real This Time

02/03/06 8:30pm

by Phil Villeneuve (CHARTattack)

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Sneaky Billy Corgan is at it again. After placing full-page ads in Chicago newspapers last June that alluded to reviving the Smashing Pumpkins, it appears that at least a partial reunion is underway.

Though Corgan's spokesperson told Billboard.com that there was no new information to comment on, sources close to the singer told MTV News that Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is on board to begin work with Corgan in the studio this summer in advance of a potential late 2006 album release. The two have signed a new management deal under the name Smashing Pumpkins with Jared Paul and Paul Geary at the Irving Azoff-helmed Front Line Management, according to a spokesperson for Azoff Management.

There's no lead yet on the participation of original Pumpkins members James Iha (guitar) and D'arcy Wretzky (bass), but they haven't enjoyed a cozy relationship with Corgan of late. He lashed out at his former bandmates for leaving the group in 2004.

Montreal's Melissa Auf Der Maur, who replaced Wretzky in the Pumpkins in 1999, told MTV News that she understands that Corgan will be working on a new Pumpkins album. Auf Der Maur, whose second solo album is tentatively set for a late 2006 release, worked with him on a song called "Took Me Apart" for her record. She'd be happy to find time between making her own music and scouting talent for EMI Music Canada to help round out the Pumpkins' lineup.

Corgan offered a hint of what might be coming when he wrote this in a December 12 blog entry on his MySpace page: "The surprise I have for you all will be announced soon enough. Hold on to you horses. After all, good things surely [come] to those who wait. Don't you just love the suspense?"

A possible Pumpkins reunion at April's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival was shot down this week, but there are rumours swirling around about a Lollapalooza appearance this summer.Corgan released his solo debut, TheFutureEmbrace, last June. Not many people embraced it.