Schroeder and the band both released statements detailing the split
Jeff Schroeder, longtime guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins, has left the band. Schroeder and the group released separate statements on Tuesday detailing the amicable split. Jeff had been with the band since 2007.
“It’s easy to say now that when I joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 2007, I had no idea what I was getting into. The opportunity seemed to have come out of nowhere. I was at UCLA working on my doctorate in comparative literature when a close friend messaged me and said The Smashing Pumpkins were looking for a guitar player. Being a huge fan of the band, the audition was something I threw myself into. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. The amount of incredible memories created over the last 16 years with the band are almost too numerous to quantify. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, I’ve decided to leave the and to make some space to explore a slightly different path. I want to thank Billy, Jimmy, James, and Jack for being both wonderful bandmates and even better friends. I will absolutely miss sharing the stage with you. I wish the band all the success in the future. I will be listening and watching.”
– Jeff Schroeder
The Smashing Pumpkins also issued a statement.
“We thank Jeff for his ceaseless dedication to the band and our fans. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for the friend he is, and being there for SP [Smashing Pumpkins] in the good times and the tough times, too.”
– With love, William, Jimmy, and James
Throughout his tenure with the band, Schroeder appeared on five studio albums, beginning with 2012’s Oceania, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The Smashing Pumpkins recently wrapped up their World is a Vampire Tour last month. Next year, the band is slated to hit the road with Green Day on a huge stadium tour.