February 5, 2007 10:13

Smashing Pumpkins reunion unlikely to feature original line-up

Manager Paul Geary speaks out

Smashing Pumpkins manager Paul Geary has hinted that a reunion featuring the four original members of the band is unlikely.

As previously reported, frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are confirmed for the reunion but it was unclear whether guitarist James Iha and bassist D’Arcy Wretzky would be taking part.

Geary has hinted that it was unlikely that the original line-up would reconvene.

He said: “I’ve been involved with bands whose members can’t stand each other, and over time they run out of dough and that’s why they (reunite).

“But Billy’s making a great record, and for the sake of a younger generation that he wants to turn on to the band’s music, he is doing it with a band that will more faithfully recreate the old songs than ever before.”

Geary said that the Pumpkins were not coming back together for the money.

He told MTV News: “They’ve had some amazingly big offers - some seven figure onces to play certain shows - and Billy has passed on several because he didn’t think it was the right thing for the band.”