Longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder has announced his departure from The Smashing Pumpkins. In his statement, Schroeder reflected on his unexpected journey with the band, which began in 2007 while he was pursuing a doctorate at UCLA. He expressed gratitude for the memorable experiences and his decision to leave to pursue new opportunities. Schroeder thanked his bandmates—Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, James Iha, and Jack Bates—for their friendship and support, and he wished them success in the future.
In response, Corgan, Iha, and Chamberlin praised Schroeder for his dedication and contribution to the band over the years, acknowledging his role in both good times and challenging moments.
Schroeder’s tenure with The Smashing Pumpkins began after Corgan and Chamberlin reunited to record the album *Zeitgeist*. He played on every studio album released since then, including the 2014 album *Monuments to an Elegy*, where he was the only other official member besides Corgan.
The Smashing Pumpkins are scheduled for a tour in the UK and Ireland with Weezer in the spring of 2024. It remains to be seen if they will find a replacement for Schroeder for the tour.
In a related note, Guns N’ Roses, known for their ever-changing lineup, continue to evolve. The classic lineup from Appetite for Destruction saw numerous changes over the years, with Axl Rose being the sole original member by the late ’90s. Despite a rotating cast of musicians during the Chinese Democracy era, Rose now performs alongside Slash, Duff McKagan, Richard Fortus, Melissa Reese, Frank Ferrer, and Dizzy Reed, who has been with the band since the early ’90s.
