Smashing Pumpkins deny D’Arcy Wretsky was not invited to reunion
NEW YORK — The Smashing Pumpkins are hitting back at ex-bassist D'arcy Wretsky's claims that they are leaving her out of their upcoming reunion. A spokesperson said the band has tried to include her for years.
The representative said Monday that band members Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin haven't played a show with Wretzky in nearly two decades though they've reached out to her repeatedly.
"In reuniting The Smashing Pumpkins, the band's dedication remains to its fans and its music. To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and William Corgan haven't played a show with D'arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it's not for a lack of trying," read the statement to The Associated Press. "Despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon."
Last month Wretzky told the music website BlastEcho she would not be involved in the reunion. She offered more details in a BlastEcho story posted Sunday, saying Corgan initially invited her to join the band again but later rescinded, saying, "Well, that wasn't a real offer." She also said that Corgan told her that Iha and Chamberlin agreed with him.
Wretzky said of the alleged decision to exclude her, "I am totally disgusted with James [Iha]. He should be ashamed of himself." When BlastEcho asked her if she knew why she was allegedly shut out, she said, "That is a whole other can of worms and a big, ugly one! Another time."
On Saturday, The Smashing Pumpkins posted a countdown clock on its website set to end Thursday, prompting speculation that they will announce a reunion tour at that time. Corgan also shared photos of himself, Iha and Chamberlin working in a recording studio on social media.
The Grammy-winning band released its debut album in 1991. Its third album, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," released in 1995, sold 10 million albums in the United States and reached diamond status.
