Grunge legends The Smashing Pumpkins have been rocked by the recent departure of Jimmy Chamberlain.
A founding member of the group, Chamberlain played on all the band’s albums except for 1998’s poorly received effort ‘Adore’. The drummer was a mainstay of the band, touring the world with them after the success of the album ‘Mellon Collin And The Infinite Sadness’.
Smashing Pumpkins went on hiatus in 2000 but reformed recently. The band toured the United States last year, but performances were a disaster with fans hugely critical of new material.
Jimmy Chamberlain quit the group last week, and has now issued a statement to fans explaining the reasons behind his departure. Writing on his blog the drummer said “commit all of my energy into something that I don’t fully possess”.
“I won’t pretend I’m into something I’m not. I won’t do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can’t just,” he added.
He continued: “I’m sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music.
“My best goes out to Billy and I’m glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right.”
Chamberlain added that he would continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlain Complex.