From 1988 to 1999 D’arcy Wretzky played bass for Smashing Pumpkins, one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history. However she left the band in 1999 to pursue a career in acting. Ever since then there have been floods of rumors about her return to the band, but of course those were just rumors as she has never returned.
Recently there have been flirtations from the bands frontman Billy Corgan that the original lineup of the band (which included Wretzky) would be joining forces once again. The band also launched a countdown clock on their website with it set to end on February 15 at noon, leading fans to believe that the orginal lineup would be getting back together.
Connected to the clock was a photo of Corgan in the studio with original guitarist James Iha and original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain. Strangely Wretzky was left out of the photo. The 49 year old confirmed in an interview with BlastEcho that she will not be part of the reunion.
Wretzky explained in a previous interview that Corgan began to speak with her about the band’s reformation and even extended an offer to join the band again, but then the offer was quickly rescinded.
A spokeperson for the band released a statement why Wretzky will not be taking part in the reunion, “Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group,” the statement reads, explaining that she deferred “in each and every instance.”
Wretzky now has released screenshots of text messages from Corgan saying, “as far as you not being involved, there was never any decision to shut you out, or make you not welcome. It’s more about getting on the same page with the tour first and then the necessity of the song came up.” He further added, “so focus on the tour and I think we can find the right way to have you involved. I know speaking with Jimmy, he wants you involved so that the tour is the best thing we can all give the fans and build for the future.”
Wrtezky is credited with recording bass on the band’s first five studio albums Gish, Siamese Dream, Melon Collie and Infinite Sadness, Adore and Machina/The Machines of God. It was reported by legendary producer Butch Vig that Corgan recorded most of the bass parts on Gish and Siamese Dream.
“Smashing Pumpkins were great band. If you ever saw them live, they’re all badass players, but Billy Corgan is a better guitar player than James, and he’s a better bass player than D’arcy. We would track song, and we would record it trying to make sure we had a really good feel for it, but primarily I was listening to make sure we got a killer drum take by Jimmy Chamberlin. Then we would usually go back and overdub everything, and Billy was just better at redoing the guitars and bass. On both 1991s Gish and 1993s Siamese Dream, D’arcy and James played little bit, but it’s over 90% Billy, because he’s a phenomenal musician.”
Fans should expect a tour and new music to happen without Wretzky but only time will tell if she is out of the band for good.
Photo Credit- Raymond Flotat
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