Jimmy Chamberlain, the original drummer of alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, is returning to the group for the band's upcoming summer tour.
USA Today reports that enigmatic Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan reached out to Chamberlain after a deal with another drummer fell through. "We suddenly found ourselves in the situation of not having anybody lined up... Jimmy's drum parts are so incredibly technical and nuanced that it's a very rare class of people that can step in and play."
When asked about the reunion by the USA Today, Chamberlain told the paper, "It's a great opportunity not only to celebrate the music, but to celebrate the friendship and the legacy."
It's been six years since Chamberlin last toured with the band. His latest stint ended in 2009 after rumors circulated of a feud between him and Corgan. And that wasn't the only time Chamberlin left the project. In 1996 Chamberlin was arrested and kicked out of the band for drug possession after the overdose death of touring Pumpkins keyboardist, Jonathan Melvoin.
Chamberlin, who played on many of the bands most recognizable and successful albums including Gish, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, is a fan favorite and was named the 5th best drummer of all time by Gigwise.
Beyond The Smashing Pumpkins, Chamberlin has been keeping busy. Since April of 2012 he has been involved with a tech company where he is now CEO, called LiveOne, which "enables content creators, media partners and brand sponsors to instantly create immersive real-time live stream experiences on their own web platforms."
The Smashing Pumpkins kick off their 24-show, co-headlining End of Times Tour with Marilyn Manson on July 7 in Concord, California.
For tour dates and tickets be sure to check out Smashing Pumpkins Zumic artist page.
