UPDATE: Click here for a review of Corgan’s band Spirits In The Sky!

Via: Open

BILLY CORGAN has announced that Mike Byrne has joined THE SMASHING PUMPKINS as their new drummer. The 19-year-old Portland, OR native will make his debut with the band on the Pumpkins’ next album—about which a major announcement is expected in September–and tour. “I’m super excited to be playing with the band,” says Byrne. “Dream come true, man.”

Says Billy: ”Through the open audition process, I was astounded by how many great drummers there were that wanted the chance to try out for The Pumpkins. 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 will join Billy at six solo Southern California small club dates August 26-31 with special guests Spirits in the Sky–the band Billy assembled to play at a tribute show in Los Angeles at the Echoplex in July for late Seeds frontman Sky Saxon. Spirits in the Sky includes Mark Tulin of The Electric Prunes and Kerry Brown of Catherine and the Ancient Chinese Secrets.

Visit smashingpumpkins.com for the complete press release.

Tickets for the show on August 28 at {open} will go on sale on this page Tuesday, August 18, at noon.

50 seated and 10 standing tickets are available. Guests will be admitted in order of ticket purchase. Maximum of FOUR (4) tickets per person.
Billy Corgan and Special Guests Spirits in the Sky
Friday, August 28
8pm // $30

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