Smashing Pumpkins have named Kiki Wong as their new touring guitarist.
Following the departure of longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder last October, frontman Billy Corgan put out an open call for his replacement. The band received more than 10,000 applicants, which Corgan then whittled down to a group of finalists who auditioned in-person in Los Angeles last month. He settled on Wong, a veteran guitarist who has performed with the likes of Taylor Swift, Usher, and Bret Michaels, as well as with rock bands Nylon Pink, Hellfire Heart, and currently, Vigil of War.
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“Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort,” Corgan said in a statement. “First off, I really want to thank everyone who submitted materials for consideration. 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!
“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,” said Wong. “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!”
Wong will join core Pumpkins members Corgan, guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, plus touring members Jack Bates (bass) and Katie Cole (guitar, keys, vocals). The new lineup will make their debut in the UK and Europe beginning in June as they play a series of shows with Weezer and Interpol. Starting in July, Pumpkins will open for Green Day on their “Saviors Tour,” as well as play a number of their own headlining shows. Check out the band’s tour schedule below, and get tickets here.
Smashing Pumpkins also plan to release new music later this year.
Smashing Pumpkins 2024 Tour Dates:
06/07 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena ^
06/08 – London, UK @ The O2 ^
06/10 – Dublin, IE @ 3Arena ^
06/12 – Glasgow, UK @ Hydro ^
06/13 – Manchester, UK @ Co-Op Live ^
06/14 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff Castle ^
06/16 – Paris, FR @ Accor Arena *
06/19 – Moenschenglabach, DE @ Sparkassenpark (outdoor) ^^
06/21 – Hannover, DE @ ZAG Arena ^^
06/22 – Berlin, DE @ Wuhlheide ^^
06/24 – Vienna, AT @ Stadthalle ^^
06/26 – Zagreb, HR @ Inmusic Festival
06/28 – Luxembourg @ Luxexpo ^^
06/29 – Rotterdam, NL @ Ahoy ^^
06/30 – Antwerp, BE @ Live is Live
07/02 – Gilwice, PL @ PreZero Arena Gilwice ^^
07/04 – Prague, CZ @ 02 Universum
07/06 – Lucca, IT @ Lucca Festival *
07/10 – Madrid, ES @ Mad Cool Festival
07/11 – Lisbon, PT @ Nos Alive
07/13 – Barcelona, ES @ Cruilla Festival
07/16 – Athens, GR @ OAKA Indoor Arena *
07/29 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park #
07/31 – Muskoka, ON @ Kee to Bala
08/01 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre #
08/03 – Montreal, Quebec @ Osheaga Festival
08/04 – Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Bank Amphitheatre %
08/05 – New York, NY @ Citi Field #
08/07 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park #
08/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Citizens Bank Park #
08/10 – Hershey, PA @ HersheyPark Stadium #
08/13 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field #
08/14 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre !
08/16 – Springfield, IL @ Illinois State Fair !
08/17 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Field #
08/20 – Des Moines, IA @ Vibrant Music Hall %
08/21 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre !
08/22 – Cincinnati, OH @ Great American Ballpark #
08/24 – Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Field #
08/27 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park !
08/28 – Atlanta, GA @ Truist Park #
08/30 – Nashville, TN @ Geodis Park #
09/01 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PNC Park #
09/04 – Detroit, MI @ Comerica Park #
09/07 – Denver, CO @ Coors Field #
09/10 – Southaven, MS @ BankPlus Amphitheatre at Snowden Grove !
09/11 – Arlington, TX @ Globe Life Field #
09/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium #
09/18 – Phoenix, AZ @ Chase Field #
09/20 – San Francisco, CA @ Oracle Park #
09/21 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Resort %
09/23 – Seattle, WA @ T-Mobile Park #
09/24 – Airway Heights, WA @ BECU Live at Northern Quest
09/25 – Portland, OR @ Providence Park #
09/27 – Las Vegas, NV @ BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas at Fontainebleau !
09/28 – San Diego, CA @ Petco Park #
^ = w/ Weezer
* = w/ Tom Morello
^^ = w/ Interpol
# = w/ Green Day, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas
% = w/ Glorious Sons
! = w/ PVRIS