The longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder decided to leave the group after 16 years. In an official statement the musician said that he wants to explore a different path in his life now and thanked the band for all the amazing years. The original members Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin also thanked Jeff for the years the were together.
There is still no announcement about a replacement but they continue with the live members Jack Bates (Bass) and Katie Cole (Keyboards, guitar).
Read the official statement about Jeff Schroeder leaving Smashing Pumpkins
“It’s easy to say now that when I joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 I had no idea what I was getting into. The opportunity seemed to have come out of nowhere. I was at UCLA working on my doctorate in comparative literature when a close friend messaged me and said The Smashing Pumpkins were looking for a guitar player. Being a huge fan of the band, the audition was something I threw myself into. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”
“The amount of incredible memories created over the last 16 years with the band are almost too numerous to quantify. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, I’ve decided to leave the band to make some space to explore a slightly different path. I want to thank Billy, Jimmy, James, and Jack for being both wonderful bandmates and even better friends. I will absolutely miss sharing the stage with you. I wish the band all the success in the future. I will be watching and listening.”
Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin also talked about his departure, saying:
“We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our great fans. Words can not express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP in the good times and the tough times, too. With love: William, Jimmy, and James,” they said.
Jeff Schroeder played on the albums: “Oceania” (2012), “Monuments to an Elegy” (2014), “Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.” (2018), “Cyr” (2020) and “Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts” (2022/2023).