The Smashing Pumkins’ guitarist Jeff Schroeder has confirmed that he has left the band.
Schroeder who has been the band’s guitarist since joining in 2007, announced his departure via social media.
This news comes just over a week after the band had confirmed dates for a huge UK and Ireland Tour for next year.
The tour will see the bands also perform at Dublin’s 3Arena on 10 June 2024. More on this from Nova here.
On sale now! VIP options available. https://t.co/55r6J1yYtn pic.twitter.com/VPp8Si497E
— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) October 20, 2023
“incredible memories”
Taking to social media, Schroeder shared this heartfelt message, confirming his exit.
“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”, Schroeder wrote.
He continued, “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”.
While he paid homage to the “incredible memories” that he has built over the years, Schroeder stated that it is time to move his career in a new direction.
He added, “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 [Corgan], Jimmy [Chamberlin], James [Iha], and Jack [Bates] for being both wonderful bandmates and even better friends. I will absolutely miss sharing the stage with you”.
— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) October 24, 2023
In a separate statement, The Smashing Pumpkins also thanked Schroeder for his “ceaseless dedication” to the band over the years.
Back in May, The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan spoke about the importance of Radiohead in the 1990s. More on this here.