"I think they’re just playing like their old hits, they’re not going to bore us with the new album"

Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus has hit out at Smashing Pumpkins, after the band confirmed plans for a reunion of their original line-up earlier this year.

In February, singer Billy Corgan confirmed that he would reunite with guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin from the original line-up, although bassist D’Arcy Wretsky is not taking part, as an ugly feud continues to unfold.

But it’s the absence of Wretsky that has proved to be a point of contention for Malkmus, who recently reacted in an interview with SPIN.

As he discussed Lindsay Buckingham’s departure from Fleetwood Mac, Malkmus compared the situation to that of Wretsky.

“The numbers will be out there. As soon as there’s a hint that Fleetwood Mac’s not selling well, you’ll hear about it. The members of Smashing Pumpkins—Lindsey Buckingham is not in the Smashing Pumpkins, but there’s a female bass player named D’arcy, and she’s not going to be on the tour”, he said.

“And people are doing a similar complaint, because the band has already done like three fake reunions, almost-reunions, and this is supposed to be—I think they’re just playing like their old hits, they’re not going to bore us with the new album or whatever.”

Despite’s Wretsky’s absence, rehearsals for the Smashing Pumpkins reunion are continuing to progress.

Guitarist James Iha recently shared a photo that confirmed previous touring member Jack Bates (who has also performed in New Order/Joy Division legend Peter Hook’s band) would be joining them on bass on their upcoming tour.
Now, Iha has shared a photo of their latest incarnation (sans Schroeder) while in rehearsals for their upcoming world tour.