Jimmy Chamberlin Re-Joins Smashing Pumpkins

(Again, Again, Again)

Just got word that Jimmy Chamberlin has re-joined Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins.  Sources close to the band report that following a serendipitous invite to the true-fan only ‘Amazon Listening Party’ for the Smashing Pumpkin’s forthcoming album,  Oceania, Chamberlin was so awestruck by the quality of the recording that he reached out to former bandmaster Corgan and tabled a deal to re-join the outfit.   

Sources reveal that Chamberlin privately cited many reasons for his return to fold; “it’s been too long… it’s totally driven by a desire to not sound anything like ‘classic pumpkins’ and to explore totally new ground… It’s all about the cash… I just love wrestling and tea and so does Billy…my shaman told me to do it… Teargarden has been an unmitigated success so far – it's the best release method ever”.

However, the official announcement, announced over at Smashing Pumpkins.com states Chamberlin’s true motivation:

"I want Corgan’s dreams, his songs and his band back together..."   

"...I have waved any creative input and final say on everything, it will be, and rightly so, all Billy's. This is a make or break year for the band and only securing the best marketing deal will ensure the bands future, not the music.”

When asked by the "gatekeepers" of Smashing Pumpkins fandom, oddly comment disabled site Crestfallen.com, about the specific moment he realised he wished to reconcile his musical ideology with Billy’s own, Chamberlin explains;

“It was about 7 or 8 tracks into the new record. In each track I heard the drums doing things I have done in other songs or pretty much would do - given the chance.  I kept thinking, this in an odd bastardisation of my originality as an Artist and if Billy wanted to just get someone in to play like me, why not pick, say Matt Walker.  He actually did it OK”.  He continues “I figured that; if they’ve got a new guy in and he’s just going to approximate what I’d do, but so incredibly poorly I can’t really comprehend it, I should probably just do it myself”.  

Chamberlin continues, “I was quietly optimistic that Billy would move forward in new musical directions, as he always used to try and one of the reasons I used to love the band, but now my priorities have changed & it’s why I’m back in; I am all about living in the past now. I am the difference, I am the 97%.  I realised that touring on ‘Rat in a Cage’ into my 60’s, is my real dream future”, gushes Chamberlin.

Talking about the future, for the handful of you out there wondering about the prospects of drumming tyke Mike Bryne, unfortunately the one and only music pundit who was in the slightest bit bothered by his dismissal, didn't have much hope;

“Even if my life depended on it, and I had Bonham, Moon and Rich as my phone-a-friends, I couldn’t pick this guys style out of a line-up of 5 ‘mathrock’ drummers."

Bryne, tweeted his disappointment at his inevitable dismissal; “shit. I dun goofed #imitationnotnecessarilythesincerestformofflattery”. 

Chamberlin's DW Kit - The Truth

On Monday night fans of acclaimed drummer Jimmy Chamberlin were in for a surprise. At SKYWAW's live début, Jimmy was playing a DW branded drum kit and not one of his usual unique Yamaha custom kits. Further, he had changed his set-up, which has been his standard for over 20 years. Some suspected that it was simply a hired kit, myself included, and there was nothing else to it than that. Following a volley of tweets, announcing he was going to announce something, Jimmy issued this statement, which confirmed what many fans had been thinking:

"Friends and fans, some of you have noticed that I used a DW kit on Monday night. I would like to briefly explain why I have chosen to switch from Yamaha at this point in my career. On hearing the most recent Smashing Pumpkins track 'Lightning Strikes', I was struck by how closely the sound of the drums resembled my own; the snare sounded like my signature snare, there were two low toms panned left and right just like with my own set-up and even some of the fills themselves sounded like they were from my palette. It was sort of like I was playing, but only much... much better.

I have been really inspired by their drummer and had an epiphany of sorts; from now on I am going to strive to sound just like him! Hence, this change of my manufacturer to the one he uses. However, I am saddened to have to concede that as it sounds like he's now playing my old unique kit configuration even more creatively and with so much more facility than I could ever hope to achieve; I feel that, in this respect, I am left with but no choice other than to try something new. Else, I would simply end up being a pale imitation of someone imitating me. That is something JC can not resonate with.

I trust you understand"

Shaman Durek & Jimmy Chamberlin Release Meditations...

Not listened to these yet...

Here's some blurb from Bandcamp about these two tracks...

"PRANA": "Jimmy Chamberlin and Shaman Durek take you into the Amazon. Guided by your animal spirit and world-class, rhythmic drumming, you will experience a breathtaking adventure that will bring you into the underworld on a unique and mind opening journey."
"Jimmy Chamberlin and Shaman Durek collaborate to create a mesmerizing shamanistic experience."
"PINDA": "Jimmy Chamberlin and Shaman Durek invite you into the temple, connecting you to your ancestors and loved ones on the other side. Drums and bells take you on this journey of reunion.
Jimmy Chamberlin and Shaman Durek collaborate to help you connect with ancestors and loved ones. "

LISTEN HERE:



 



 

Update: Durek says - that they are working on more material and hope to play live sometime in the summer...

Jimmy Chamberlin Guided to Leave Smashing Pumpkins...

(Picture: A Shaman plays a drum [not Shaman Durek])

In a profile of Shaman Durek in Metrosource Magazine, Chamberlin is interviewed and recounts being guided to leave the Smashing Pumpkins, back in 2009...

"...Durek was the one that took me aside and said, ‘Look, there’s nothing to be afraid of; only good will come out of this,’” says Chamberlin. Since then, Chamberlin feels he has more balance in his life."  

Thanks to HU for the heads-up. 

Chamberlin Renames 'THIS' - 'SKYSAW'

Highlights from the Shamon Durek interview...

• 'THIS' is now called 'SKYSAW' will be touring next year sometime > Spring/Summer 2011.
• They have 'inked a deal' with Dangerbird.
• Jimmy has been working with Shaman Durek, on a record. 
• Lots of stuff about resonance, harmony & 'spiritual stuff'... JC is reading, rather, listening to an [audio]book "The China Study".
• JC has been playing the drums for 38 years... :O

So, if you want to listen to it yourself: pick up the Get Real interview, under the downloads tab, or direct link >  right here. Kudos to Sotherbee on Blamo for the grab...

Get Real - Jimmy Chamberlin

Remember this guy, well apparently JC will be on his radio show this Thursday, between 9-10PM PST...

If someone could cap it for us, that would be splendid - I don't fancy getting up at 5:00AM really...

Shamonic Beats???

So, this geezer - 'Shaman Durek' tweeted something interesting the other day -

In studio recording vocals for Jimmy Chamberlin for new meditations.Get ready for something wild. Shabbat Shalom.... Live Love Relax

First I've heard of this and as I'm most 100% sure the THIS record is done, I don't know what this is exactly. It appears that Jimmy is one of this dude's clients... That's all I know.

I guess more music from Jimmy, whatever form it may take, can't be bad, can it...???