AFTER a nationwide search for a guitarist, a legendary rock band has tuned to Taylor Swift for help narrowing the field.
The group announced that Taylor’s former drummer will step in during their upcoming world tour.
Alternative rockers Smashing Pumpkins put out an open call for a new guitarist shortly after the new year, after Jeff Schroeder left the band last October.
On Friday, lead singer Billy Corgan announced they had made their choice – multi-talented musician Kiki Wong.
“Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort,” Billy said in a statement on the band’s Instagram page. “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!”
KIKI’S SERVICE
Kiki previously played on stage with Taylor at the 2014 VMA’s. She also performed with Usher at CBS’s Fashion Rocks that year
And she was the lead guitarist for Bret Michael’s in a commercial for Nissan.
After the reveal, the California native shared her own enthusiastic announcement to her social media.
“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,” Kiki wrote online.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer – two of the biggest bands of the 90s
“I never thought little ol’ 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!”
Kiki will now set out with the band in June for a global tour. The Smashing Pumpkins will play stateside starting in July, touring with Green Day.
BILLY’S OTHER PASSION
The upcoming tour means Billy may have to put his professional wrestling dreams on hold.
I never thought little ol’ 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment”
Kiki Wong
In 2017, the Tonight, Tonight singer purchased the the National Wrestling Alliance – a league that once ruled wrestling’s governing body – in the days before the WWE.
And like a good wrestling match, Billy’s business decision had its own drama and twists.
“Crazily enough, it was owned by one person. It was so devalued. He tried to sell it to everybody. Nobody wanted it, as far as I know,” Billy explained on the Talk is Jericho podcast in 2021.
“He certainly offered it to WWE. They thought it was so worthless that they didn’t even just buy it just to take it off the market.”
He continued: “Then when I bought it, Jim Cornette and other people, and I loved Jim. ‘What the hell did he buy? He might as well have bought air. He bought three worthless letters.’
“A lot of that type of stuff and certainly I sat around at one point and thought, ‘Well, if I started, Billy Corgan Wrestling or SP Wrestling’, and I thought, ‘no, I want the history. I’ll take that history. I’ll take that on. I like the challenge of that.'”
