Ever since his departure from the Smashing Pumpkins in 2000, James Iha has been a pretty integral member of A Perfect Circle. Maynard James Keenan’s other band, when he’s not with Tool, includes Billy Howerdel, Iha, Jeff Friedi, and Eagles of Death Metal guitarist Matt McJunkins. With multiple festival appearances and an accompanying Summer tour, A Perfect Circle have been gearing up for their first album in over fourteen years, Eat the Elephant.
Nothing comes without conflict when artists are in multiple groups however, as James Iha and Maynard James Keenan both have huge events arriving with their previous bands, Tool and Smashing Pumpkins, at the exact time as A Perfect Circle’s big plans kick into gear. Keenan will still perform with A Perfect Circle throughout every tour date, despite just announcing that Tool has begun work in the studio on their highly anticipated new album, but Iha will not be with the group, as the dates overlap with the Smashing Pumpkins reunion tour.
In Iha’s place will be Failure guitarist Greg Edwards, as announced through a statement from the band via The PRP:
“As you most likely have heard, James Iha‘s original band, the Smashing Pumpkins, have announced a Summer tour that James will be taking part in. Because James will be busy gearing up for that tour he won’t be able to join us for our upcoming tour dates. James‘ temporary replacement will be none other than our longtime friend and one of our favorite guitar players, Greg Edwards (Failure/Autolux). We want to reiterate that this is a temporary situation and James remains a part of A Perfect Circle.”
Iha’s announcement to join the Smashing Pumpkins reunion tour is an interesting move, as tickets to the shows have been vastly underperforming. Reasons for the tour’s apparent failure could also stem from various reasons, whether it’s Billy Corgan’s crazy Twitter account, his friendship with Info Wars’ Alex Jones, or his bad relationship with bassist D’Arcy Wretzky. Things seem to be on the up for A Perfect Circle however, as their recent single and video for “Disillusioned” has been getting them ready for a big 2018, with or without James Iha on the tour.
Photo Credit: Marv Watson
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