Smashing Pumpkins Appear To Claim D’arcy Wretzky Is Lying In New Statement

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Smashing Pumpkins members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin have released a new statement in response to D’arcy Wretzky claiming she got screwed out of being part of the reunion in the latest chapter of The Smashing Soap Opera. The statement appears to claim some of D’arcy’s statements as lies, as they contradict her story.

“In reuniting The Smashing Pumpkins, the band’s dedication remains to its fans and its music. 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.”

Blast Echo have up an article where D’arcy Wretzky details text message conversations she had with Billy Corgan about Smashing Pumpkins’ reunion. Alternative Nation can confirm that this was no hack, and was 100% comments from the legendary Smashing Pumpkins bassist.

Corgan allegedly texted D’arcy in mid-January about any concerns she might have about new studio photos surfacing from Los Angeles. Photos first surfaced in early January of Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin at the Village studio, with Jeff Schroeder joining them. James Iha was later photographed in the studio, followed by a session with Rick Rubin in Malibu.

Corgan allegedly texted D’arcy, “well, so you know, [original guitarist] James [Iha] isn’t here either. It’s me and Jimmy working and [guitarist] Jeff [Schroeder] now too.”

He added, “James is focused on his stuff, which is why he isn’t here. And, as far as Rubin, he’s gonna be involved a little but not the whole thing.”

The plan had been for the original lineup to record one new song with Rick Rubin in January, but those plans changed, and D’arcy found out when she saw photos on Instagram. Iha was part of those sessions, and recorded a song.

D’arcy claims Corgan texted her trying to explain her exclusion and assuage any worries she might have had after having seen the photo of all her bandmates in an L.A. studio together.

Once Corgan went public, he texted her: “As far as you not being involved, there was never any decision to shut you out, or make you not welcome. It’s more about getting on the same page with [the] tour first and then the necessity of the song came up.”

He added, “So focus on [the] tour and I think we can find the right way to have you involved. I know speaking with Jimmy, he wants you involved so that the tour is the best thing we can all give the fans and build for the future.”

D’arcy claims before this they spoke about trying to “be a band again and to do it right this time and have fun with it in a relaxed environment.” Neither wanted to do a typical “reunion tour.”

D’arcy says Corgan told her that Iha and Chamberlin had no desire to record a full album, so they would instead record one new song and then tour the following summer.

D’arcy said that Corgan initially made a contract offer to her, Iha and Chamberlin, which was agreed upon by all parties. However, a month later D’arcy says Billy told her “well, that wasn’t a real offer.”

D’arcy said that James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin were “with him” on the decision to do the reunion without her. “I am totally disgusted with James,” she said via text. “He should be ashamed of himself.”

D’arcy later posted on Facebook, “I am truly and deeply sorry. I think one other quote needs to be added to that.

It’s a text from Billy to me. I will cut/paste.

‘Yes, there will always be a crowd but without real backing in an unbelievably tough environment to win in I will walk away so it doesn’t matter that there will always be a club full of people wanting to hear old songs.’

So that’s what Billy thinks about what fans do or don’t want.”

A fan wrote, “you can always join my band, our bass player is in limbo… um, in all seriousness. i just hope you and billy’s friendship… somewhat resolves. or mended. maybe you’ll still be able to play if you want to… i remember kerry saying something once that it’s billy’s ship. like it or hate it. again, regardless. i hope you are ok.”

D’arcy responded, “Billy’s ship … which keeps sinking every time he tries pulls this ship.

I abandoned it in 1999 cause i knew it was sinking. He was beyond helping. His ego & insecurities spun out of control and I could no longer reel him in, which had been a very large part of my role for many years, but it was hopeless.

Thank you for the invite! One never knows!!! And really-thank you. After Billy slandered me so badly in the press for about a decade i couldn’t get anyone to even jam w/me.”