2016 has been the year of the reunion, but could it continue with a reformation of the classic Smashing Pumpkins lineup? Frontman Billy Corgan just shared that he’s back in contact with the former Pumpkins members and “there’s excitement there that surrounds the idea that maybe there’s the possibility that we will get back together.”

In 1988, the Smashing Pumpkins were formed by Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D’arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Jimmy was the first to exit in 1996 after the overdose death of touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin and his own substance abuse issue, but the drummer has enjoyed sporadic returns to the Pumpkins, including his current stint with the band. Wretzky left in 1999, while Iha stayed until the Pumpkins broke up the following year and made guest appearances at a few shows with Corgan's current Pumpkins lineup earlier this year.

Billy Corgan has continued leading the Smashing Pumpkins since resurrecting the group in 2006. We’ve gotten three studio albums and plenty of tours, but fan demand for the original lineup to reconvene has remained steady.

“There are some things going on, but they’re the type of things I didn’t even think were worth talking about because they’re more private than public,” Corgan says in a new Facebook video. “But at the same point, I don’t want people speculating about something that’s got nothing to do with what’s going on. First off, we’re back in contact again, the band. I’ve been in communication with D’arcy for the first time in 16 or 17 years. It’s awesome to have my friend back. So we’re all in communication, which as I said not too long ago, my primary interest in the old band was us having good relationships again.”

He continues, “So of course when you get to the point where you’re in communication, and the relationships are good again, and it’s a good vibe, you yourself, and people around you who know what’s going on, start saying: ‘Is the band going to get back together?’ We’re not at that point, and I think that’s a good thing. We’re not rushing to something, we have to repair some things between us, and see what’s out there for us, if those opportunities are even there. We’re not interested, nor have we ever been interested, in just going out to play because there’s a big stack of money there. Of course the business is part of what goes on, but the band was never about that, and if the band should ever be again in that form, in some iteration, obviously because there’s other people involved, because it would be about the music. So speculate away, because that’s from me, not an anonymous source.”

“There’s excitement there that surrounds the idea that maybe there’s the possibility that we will get back together, but until you hear it coming from my mouth that the band is getting back together and we will play dates, my primary concern is the family relationships of the band that are ultimately so much more important,” Corgan concludes. “I can tell you without a doubt that if that band ever gets back onstage, it will be about music, it will be about playing music that fans love, and that we love.”

As stated, earlier this year, James Iha joined the Smashing Pumpkins onstage in Chicago, performing seven songs with Corgan and Chamberlin. D’arcy Wretzky has yet to publicly comment on her communication with Corgan or appear with the Pumpkins onstage, though she would consider a comeback to the band. Stay tuned for all updates on a potential Smashing Pumpkins reunion as news breaks!

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