Smashing Pumpkins announce new drummer
What we’ve known for a good long time has now been declared official by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. The band’s new drummer is 19-year-old Mike Byrne from Portland, OR.
The Pumpkins official website touts a press release praising the young phenom. A freshman from the Berklee School of Music, the audition process was described by Byrne. “We didn’t actually play songs at the audition,” Byrne said. “We just kind of jammed for about 15 minutes and then talked about Fugazi for the other 15 or so minutes.”
Corgan praised the young drummer for what made him stand out during the auditions. “We counted over 1,000 submissions, and what made Mike stand out was he just seemed to have that X-factor that all the great drummers have, a stunning blend of power, speed, and grace. I’m excited to work with him moving forward–he truly deserves this opportunity. I believe in my heart he will push me to be a better musician.”
Byrne (who someone said looks like the kid from Flight of the Navigator and I completely agree) already has a full schedule ahead of him. He’ll be drumming six dates with Billy as part of the band Spirits in the Sky which is the band Corgan put together for a tribute to Sky Saxon. Following those dates he’ll be playing on the brand new Smashing Pumpkins album which they’ll announce in September.
“I’m super excited to be playing with the band,” says Byrne. “Dream come true, man.” Hopefully it’s a lengthy gig for ya, Mike. Good luck.
Tags: Billy Corgan, Mike Byrne, Smashing Pumpkins
August 18th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Lol wow. I can’t believe this kid randomly got into the Smashing Pumpkins. I should have tried out. Hlel I wanted to, I just don’t have the means xD
I’m probably not as good as Corgan would want, especially considering I never actually took any lessons. My attitude, however would probably compensate for that with a crazy but brilliant dude like Billy.
Hope this kid adds something to them and hope they come out with some really kick ass stuff.