SMASHING PUMPKINS have denied claims by original bassist D'arcy Wretzky that an invite for her to join the reunited band was later rescinded. D'arcy alleged in an interview with BlastEcho that SMASHING PUMPKINS leader Billy Corgan sent her a contract that was agreed upon, but a month later, he told her "that wasn't a real offer." She said: "My apologies to all of the SMASHING PUMPKINS fans out there who are excited about this oncoming reunion tour of the original members of the band. I know this is a huge disappointment for me, as well, but it's not going to happen." Earlier today, SMASHING PUMPKINS released a statement explaining why Wretzky won't be taking part in the band's reunion. "In reuniting THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, the band's dedication remains to its fans and its music," the statement reads. "To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin and William Corgan haven't played a show with D'arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it's not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance, she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon." THE SMASHING PUMPKINS have not yet officially confirmed their reunion, but the band's web site was updated over the weekend with a countdown clock set to expire on Thursday, which will likely coincide with the announcement. Earlier in the month, the SMASHING PUMPKINS did a new photo shoot in Los Angeles, featuring frontman Billy Corgan, original guitarist James Iha, founding drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and latter-era guitarist Jeff Schroeder. Corgan, Iha and Chamberlin make up three-quarters of the PUMPKINS' charter lineup, with only Wretzky missing. It's unclear if Schroeder will be taking over on the bass for the alleged reunion or if he will stay on as third guitarist while the group recruits a new bassist. Although Iha played a handful of shows with the PUMPKINS in 2016, this would mark the first time he's recorded and toured with the band since 2000. Chamberlin has toured with the PUMPKINS for the last couple of years but last recorded with the group in 2007. Corgan, Iha, Chamberlin and Schroeder have all been photographed in a Los Angeles studio recently, where the PUMPKINS are said to be working with producer Rick Rubin. Corgan even hinted at the possibility of a double album by writing that there were "26 songs currently in various states of completion, production, insanity."
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