Diamond-certified alternative rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins have announced the departure of guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Schroeder from their lineup. Schroeder had been a mainstay with the band since joining back in 2006. Both parties released individual statements on the split earlier today, October 24th.
You can read both below:
“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 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.”
–Jeff Schroeder
“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.”
With love
William, Jimmy, and James
The Smashing Pumpkins are currently expected to head out next summer on a stadium tour with Green Day, Rancid and The Linda Lindas. Dates have yet to be announced.
