Smashing Pumpkins’ Kiki Wong responded to being named one of the best guitarists of 2024 on Instagram.
“I truly can’t believe this is real,” the guitarist wrote, sharing the cover of Guitar World. “I am beyond humbled and honored to be on the cover of Guitar World Magazine and considered as Best of 2024 guitarists of year and Best News of 2024 next to some of the greatest guitar players alive today.”
She continued, “Many of these incredible mentions like Steve Vai, Slash, Joe Satriani, Kerry King, were all huge inspirations when I was just a teenager learning to play guitar. I can’t even believe I’m on the same printed paper as them, let alone considered to be a peer.”
“I am, with every fiber of my being and soul, so grateful for Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain, James Iha and Jack Bates for all believing in me and accepting me into the Smashing Pumpkins family. 2024 truly has been a dream come true because of this experience,” Wong further explained.
The rocker concluded her post, “And thank you to my family, friends, incredible music companies that helped sponsor me, and all of you who have supported me throughout this endeavor. I wouldn’t be here without all of you. Beyond stoked to be performing at the Forum tonight for KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. Gonna be an absolute blast!”
Wong was picked from 10,000 people to join the Smashing Pumpkins after Jeff Schroeder left the band in 2023. The band announced an open call for applicants in January 2024, and Wong applied.
After a Zoom call with the band, Kiki was one of nine chosen to audition in Los Angeles in March 2024. She had to play four songs: ‘Bullet With Butterfly Wings,’ ‘Cherub Rock,’ ‘Jellybelly,’ and ‘Today.’
Smashing Pumpkins recently performed at KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. Beck, 311, and Sublime were scheduled to perform as well. Also taking the stage this year were Jimmy Eat World, Franz Ferdinand, Royel Otis, Awolnation, The Linda Lindas, and bby.
Photo Credit: Kiki Wong – Instagram
