REALLY!?: Jimmy Leaves Smashing Pumpkins.

It's been just under two years since I watched Smashing Pumpkins reunite on stage in Asheville, NC. Since then, the band have been at it practically nonstop, with multiple tours, new albums, etc.

I've been enjoying the ride, always excited to hear the new stuff they come up with. Even with all the changes in bass players and guitarists, the Pumpkins have still held on to the magic that makes them so unique. That magic, coming largely in part from the incredible dynamic forces of Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin.

I'm sad to hear that Jimmy left the group. I believe that he has always been a crucial part of the band's music. So, I'm curious to see what happens without him. Who will they find to try to fill that drum kit? That's a big seat to fill. *sigh* Where will their music go?

I wish Jimmy all the best in his future pursuits, creatively and with life in general. He has surely set his place as a legendary musical talent, no other can compare to. As with the Pumpkins, I'm also curious to see what happens with Jimmy and where he goes from here.

Things may not always go the way we initally want them to, but sometimes there are unexpected surprises that we end up appreciating later on.

Life happens. People move on. Change is inevitable.

So, we'll just have to wait and see...

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS' BILLY CORGAN
ANNOUNCES THE DEPARTURE OF JIMMY CHAMBERLIN FROM THE GROUP

CORGAN SET TO HEAD INTO THE STUDIO TO CREATE
NEW SMASHING PUMPKINS MUSIC

The SMASHING PUMPKINS' guitarist, singer, songwriter and founding member Billy Corgan has announced that drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has left the group. Chamberlin joined the band Corgan founded in Chicago in 1988 and played on all their albums except Adore (1998). Corgan will continue to write and record as SMASHING PUMPKINS with plans to head into the studio this spring.

Click HERE for the official announcement and other fans' reaction on the official Smashing Pumpkins website.

JIMMY CHAMBERLIN RESPONDS...

"By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me..."

Click HERE for Jimmy Chamberlin's full explanation of why he left the band.