News

Smashing Pumpkins Recruit Teenage Drummer

• 19th Aug 2009

The newest member of The Smashing Pumpkins will be a nineteen year old drummer to replace Jimmy Chamberlin, the band have revealed.

The group chose Mike Byrne in a series of open auditions earlier this year.

Singer Billy Corgan wrote on the band’s website: “We counted over 1,000 submissions, and what made Mike stand out was he just seemed to have that 'X Factor' that all the great drummers have, a stunning blend of power, speed, and grace.

“I'm excited to work with him moving forward – he truly deserves this opportunity. I believe in my heart he will push me to be a better musician.”

Byrne will play with Corgan on a series of dates in the US in August.