Jeff Schroeder quits The Smashing Pumpkins after 16 years
He's released a statement
Guitarist Jeff Schroeder has parted ways with The Smashing Pumpkins after 16 years with the band.
Jeff Schroeder was initially brought in to replace founding member James Iha, and he made his live debut with The Smashing Pumpkins in Paris in May 2007.
He performed on five studio albums as a member of The Smashing Pumpkins from 2012’s ‘Oceania’ through to this year’s ‘Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts.’
Both Jeff Schroeder and The Smashing Pumpkins issued statements last night (24th October) confirming the amicable parting of ways.
Explaining why he’s decided to leave the band, Schroeder wrote: “It’s easy to say now that when I joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 I had no idea what I was getting into. 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 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 (Bates) 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.”
Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and James Iha wrote: “We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP in the good times and the tough times, too.”
Last week, The Smashing Pumpkins announced a co-headline UK & Ireland tour with Weezer for June 2024. Tickets are on sale from Absolute Radio Tickets now.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer UK and Ireland Tour 2024:
JUNE 2024
Birmingham Utilita Arena – Fri 7th
London The O2 – Sat 8th
Dublin 3Arena – Mon 10th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Wed 12th
Manchester Co-op Live – Thu 13th
Cardiff Castle – Fri 14th