After announcing that they were looking for a new guitarist, the Smashing Pumpkins received an overwhelming amount of applicants. In a X post, the band says that they received “over 10,000 submissions for the position of additional guitarist.” They also say they have “8 people working full-time to review each and every one.” An announcement of who will be the band’s new guitarist will be revealed at a later date.

Update pic.twitter.com/J2GoayuBvw

— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) January 17, 2024

Their latest guitarist, Jeff Schroeder, announced his departure in October. “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, Jimmy, James, and Jack for being both wonderful bandmates and even better friends,” he said in a statement.  “I will absolutely miss sharing the stage with you. I wish the band all the success in the future. I will be watching and listening.” Schroeder recalled auditioning for the band as “one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

Smashing Pumpkins have quite a busy summer and fall this year including a US stadium tour with Green Day, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas, UK and Ireland shows with Weezer, and European dates with Interpol.

Photo Credit: Alyssa Fried