The Smashing Pumpkins have hired Kiki Wong as their new touring guitarist after an open audition for the gig drew more than 10,000 applicants.
Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan looked at the submissions and narrowed down the potential new members to a small group for in-person auditions last month in Los Angeles.
The winner is Kiki Wong, whose credits include work with Taylor Swift, Usher, Bret Michaels, as well as a few rock bands, such as Nylon Pink, Hellfire Heart, and her current combo Vigil of War.
Wong will join the band's core of Corgan, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as touring members bassist Jack Bates and guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Katie Cole.
"Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort," said Corgan in a statement. "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!"
"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," said Wong in a statement. "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 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!"
The band has a busy summer on tap with arena and festival headlining dates in Europe and North American stadium shows with Green Day on The Saviors Tour. The Pumpkins also have their own arena dates lined up that run from July through September. These dates start July 31 in Muskoka, Ont. and hit Kansas City, Des Moines, Iowa and St. Louis, before wrapping up on Sept. 27 at the Fountainbleu in Las Vegas. The Pumpkins are also one of the headliners at the Oshega Festival in Montreal on Aug. 3. The full list of dates and ticket information is available at Tickets are on sale at smashingpumpkins.com/tour/.
