Smashing Pumpkins explain D’arcy Wretzky’s absence from reunion

Feb. 13 (UPI) — The Smashing Pumpkins have released a statement explaining why original bassist D’arcy Wretzky will be absent from the band’s upcoming reunion.

“In reuniting the Smashing Pumpkins, the band’s dedication remains to its fans and its music,” a spokesperson for the band said. “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. For 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.”

Wretzky is the only original member missing from the reunion lineup. The bass player, while speaking with music website BlastEcho in January, said Corgan made a contract offer to her and original members Iha and Chamberlain to return, only for the lead singer to tell her later that it “wasn’t a real offer.”

“My apologies to all of the Smashing Pumpkins fans out there who are excited about this oncoming reunion tour of the original members of the band. I know this is a huge disappointment for me, as well, but it’s not going to happen,” Wretzky said. “I only just found about yesterday that the band has decided to go with a different bass player.”

Wretzky left The Smashing Pumpkins in 1999 before a full-breakup took place in 2000. Corgan continued on using the The Smashing Pumpkins name with mostly new members.

The group is expected to announce a reunion featuring original members Corgan, Iha and Chamberlin with a countdown clock on the band’s official website set to expire on Thursday.