Pumpkins Drummer Just Not Into You Billy

Jimmy Chamberlin issues statement on why he quit the band.

By Fred Mills

"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, ‘Cash the check' so to speak." That's now-former Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, making an official comment at his blog (located at his Jimmy Chamberlin Complex site), on why he decided to quit working with Billy Corgan (who, it will be remembered, once fired Chamberlin back in 1996).

Word of Chamberlin's departure got out yesterday via all the major news services, who cited an official Pumpkins press release that essentially served up the usual say-nothing-controversial blather, indicating that "Corgan will continue to write and record as the Smashing Pumpkins with plans to head into the studio this spring."

Chamberlin's essentially playing the diplomatic role too, although his comments make it clear that he'd become pretty disenchanted with the band. You'll be able to read a lot between the lines, methinks.

Here's that blog posting:

By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me. I can no longer 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, "Cash the check" so to speak. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. 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. I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex as well as pursuing other musical interests. I feel that I have a long way to go and a lot to give. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support through all of this. I am constantly humbled by all of you! It is an honor and a privilege to play music for a living and I don't take it for granted not even for a second.

Stay tuned....... JC