The longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder left the American band last year after 16 years as a member. The band then said they were looking for a new guitar player and anyone could send a resumé for the job opportunity. After that announcement, more than 10.000 musicians applied for the post and now the band revealed that the veteran instrumentalist Kiki Wong was the chosen one to be their touring guitarist.
As her official website says, Kiki started classical piano lessons at the age of six and when she was thirteen her family gave her a guitar and from then on she started to learn the instrument. During her career, she was part of bands like Nylon Pink (Also being their lead vocalist) and also played on stage with names like Taylor Swift and Usher. Before joining Pumpkins, Wong was playing guitar on the Los Angeles Rock band Vigil of War.
Kiki Wong talked in an official statement about joining Smashing Pumpkins
“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 hard 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,” Kiki Wong said.
The band’s co-founder, guitarist and vocalist Billy Corgan also talked about Wong:
“Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort. 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. 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,” Billy Corgan said.
Besides Billy Corgan and Wong, the band is also formed by the other original members James Iha (Bass) and Jimmy Chamberlin (Drums).