James Iha Seen With Smashing Pumpkins in Studio: guitarist seen with frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin in new Instagram photo.
So how sick are you of the on-again, off-again, “yay they’re going to reunite (or are they going to reunite?), why did Billy Corgan put out (an admittedly good) acoustic solo album instead of making a reunion album, WTF is going on? status of the Smashing Pumpkins?
If you’re like me, you’re probably in a similar state of mind as waiting for the new Tool album: you’re not holding your breath but you’re wishing like crazy it’s about to happen.
Well we’re here to fuel further speculation, because original member James Iha, who was previously estranged from band frontman, eternal conundrum Billy Corgan was seen in the studio with Corgan and original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain.
According to Alternative Nation, Iha was seen with his former bandmates in Los Angeles. The image of the trio together was originally posted on Corgan’s Instagram account, with the frontman writing:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeBGPl3Dhxx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_legacy
“@smashingpumpkins: Not sure what cross-eyed spy took this photo, but we had a visitor to the studio the other day. So many memories when you put the three of us together. @jamesihaofficial @chamberdrums #WPC.”
Corgan added: “Life is wonderful. Keep moving. I could complain (because there are always irritants to the rainbow in my mind) but ’tis more graceful to stay inspired. To see all as being in it’s perfect place.. #beherenow.”
Corgan and Chamberlain are recording a track called Route 666, but its unknown if Iha or former bassist D’arcy Wretsky are performing on the song (or any other tracks).
It’s worth noting that Iha had originally reunited with Corgan and Chamberlin in 2016, and also performed on Corgan’s aformentioned 2017 solo album Oligala. Which shows you just how long this idea of a full-fledged reunion has gone on.
Hopefully this is all leading where we want it too, with a full-length reunion album and tour. Anything that keeps Corgan busy enough to avoid weird conspiracy theories and other curmudgeonly activity is fine by us. We’ll keep you posted on further developments. Hurry up!