Ex-guitarist returns for surprise appearance at Los Angeles concert performing tracks off ‘Siamese Dream’.
It’s an Easter miracle: last night, estranged Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha joined the band to perform songs from their 1993 masterpiece ‘Siamese Dream.’
This marks the first time in 16 years that he’s shared the stage with frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain. The last being the band’s 2000 farewell show.
Given the past rancor Corgan has expressed towards Iha, this is a moment fans never dreamed possible, but according to reports last night was a congenial love fest: the band even celebrated Iha’s birthday, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ on stage.
This reunion comes after Corgan recently promised a lawsuit re: the leak of an early ‘Mellon Collie’-era demo of the two musicians, noting in a press release that all members were in agreement on seeking legal repercussions “The Smashing Pumpkins (and yes, the original 4 are unified on such issues).”
It’s unclear whether this is a one-off, or if this leaves the door open for a permanent slot in the band. Fans sure hope so–and that bassist D’arcy Wretsky is the final piece of the puzzle to a full band reunion.
It’s a long shot, and it likely won’t last long: so soak this up Pumpkins fans. This is huge.
Watch Iha joining the band for renditions of ‘Whir,’ ‘Soma’ and ‘Mayonaise,’ along with the aforementioned ‘Happy Birthday’ below: