As the globe transitioned into 2024, the Smashing Pumpkins set the internet abuzz with their announcement of an open call for a new guitarist, open to all applicants.
In a recent social media update tagged as “Update,” the iconic alt-rock band disclosed that the floodgates had opened wide, with a staggering 10,000 guitarists submitting their candidacies for the coveted position. The disclosure went on to reveal that an industrious team of eight individuals is presently engaged in the exhaustive task of meticulously reviewing each and every submission.
While the specific qualifications of the review team remain undisclosed, it is presumed that they possess a wealth of guitar and Pumpkin-related expertise. Their primary mission likely involves sifting through the applications to separate serious contenders from those who humorously suggest, “I can play Today on Guitar Hero – can I be your guitarist? LOL?”
Smashing Pumpkins (Credits: Pitchfork)
The pursuit for a new guitarist was instigated following the departure of long-serving guitarist Jeff Schroeder in October 2023, as he embarked on a different musical journey. Consequently, the Smashing Pumpkins will maintain their three-guitar lineup, a configuration that has been a fixture in live performances since James Iha rejoined the ensemble in 2018.
The band’s initial announcement, shared on January 5, invited interested parties to apply for the position by submitting their resumes and related materials to SPGuitar@redlightmanagement.com. The rather open-ended criteria for applications likely contributed to the overwhelming response the band has encountered.
In an effort to assist prospective candidates, we previously compiled a comprehensive list of five essential elements one must master to secure the coveted guitarist position. Spoiler alert: it’s no walk in the park.
No specific deadline has been disclosed for the application process, nor has the band provided information regarding when the chosen guitarist will be unveiled. However, with the Smashing Pumpkins scheduled to embark on a European tour in June, an announcement is anticipated before the commencement of the tour.
