The Smashing Pumpkins have a new guitar player for their upcoming tour.
The band hosted an open audition for an additional guitarist to join them on the road, a move that ignited a flurry of media activity and audience anticipation. Following a simple social media post, 10,000-plus applicants submitted applications for consideration to join the band on tour. Frontman Billy Corgan reviewed the submissions and whittled down the pool of entrants who proceeded to audition in-person for the touring guitarist spot in-person last month in Los Angeles. And the winner is veteran instrumentalist Kiki Wong.
Corgan says, “Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort...
“It wasn’t an easy decision with how much great guitar playing we were lucky enough to hear and see over the past few months. I was a fan of Kiki’s before she submitted her name to be considered – and it’s great that someone of her acumen will be part of our touring family. I can’t wait to hit the road with Kiki as part of our mad circus. It’s definitely an exciting moment for The Smashing Pumpkins to be this busy with touring in 2024. We’ll see you all this summer!"
And Kiki adds, “It’s been an absolute wild ride, but I am beyond honored and humbled to be chosen to perform alongside some of rock's greatest and most influential musicians of all time.
“I never thought little ole 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment. It goes to show hard work and perseverance truly pays off if you’re willing to push through the tough stuff, so never lose hope out there. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to share the stage with The legendary Smashing Pumpkins!”
The Pumpkins hit the road on June 7th in Birmingham, England, followed by the Saviors Tour with Green Day, which gets underway on July 29th in Washington, D.C.