Smashing Pumpkins recently took to Instagram to release an announcement for a new guitarist position following the departure of Jeff Schroeder.
The band said the following in their post:
“The Smashing Pumpkins are in search of an additional guitarist. The application process is open to anyone who might be interested. Applicants may submit a resume and related material to SPGuitar@redlightmanagement.com.”
Parting Words From Jeff Schroeder
Last October, Schroeder said he was leaving Smashing Pumpkins. The 49-year-old musician had been with the band for 16 years. He shared this news on the band’s social media, saying:
“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.”
The band responded to him, writing:
“We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans. Words can not express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP in the good times and the tough times, too.”
Schroeder’s Reflections On Leaving
After a short period following his departure, the musician joined an interview with Guitar World in October and clarified the reasons behind his exit from the band. He noted:
“Even though it was a good time, and I love the guys, I felt like with a bit of time off now and no shows until next summer, now felt like the right time to create some space and do something different. And I don’t want to say that I wasn’t being challenged in the Smashing Pumpkins anymore. It’s more that I feel like it’s time for me to do something different artistically that is a bit different from what I’ve been doing.”
Looking Forward
Schroeder’s last show with the Smashing Pumpkins was on September 17, 2023. They performed the entire ‘Siamese Dream’ album at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse in Illinois for its 30th anniversary. After that, their only show was a Christmas performance at Disney World on November 11, 2023, where they played ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Silver Bells.’
The Pumpkins need to find a new guitarist in just a few months. Their European tour with Weezer starts on June 7 in Birmingham, England. Then, on July 29, they’ll be back in North America for the Saviors stadium tour with Green Day, Rancid, and the Linda Lindas.
You can see the band’s post below.
