The Smashing Pumpkins pick Kiki Wong as new guitarist out of 10,000 applicants
Alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins has revealed its pick for new guitarist: Musician and content creator Kiki Wong.
Alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins has revealed its pick for new guitarist: Musician and content creator Kiki Wong. Wong, 35, who is Chinese and Korean American, submitted her name for consideration alongside 10,000 others as part of a public casting call.
“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," Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan said in the announcement, posted to Instagram last week. "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.”
Vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and guitarist James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins.Jim Bennett / Getty Images fileAn opening for the band's guitar player was announced in January, after 16-year veteran guitarist Jeff Schroeder's departure. The monthslong search led them to Wong, who has accumulated 1.3 million followers on TikTok by posting videos playing the guitar.
"I never thought little ole 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment," she said in the Instagram announcement. "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.”
Wong is a former member of the American girl group Nylon Pink, which performed KPOP and metal-inspired music mostly in the 2010s. She's also a new mom; she gave birth to her son Jet in 2023.
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