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Why did D’arcy Wretzky leave the Smashing Pumpkins?

BBG News

In the ’90s, The Smashing Pumpkins were a groundbreaking rock band known for expressing feelings of loneliness and anger that defined the era. Many of their tunes continue to be played on alternative radio stations even today, more than 30 years after they were first released.

Originally, the iconic lineup of this band consisted of Billy Corgan on vocals and songwriting, James Iha on guitar, Jimmy Chamberlain on drums, and D’arcy Wretzky on bass. Today, Corgan, Iha, and Chamberlain are still together as The Smashing Pumpkins, but since 1999, founding member D’arcy Wretzky has not joined them for a performance.

D’arcy Wretzky was fired from the band in 1999

As stated by Corgan, D’arcy Wretzky’s struggles with substance abuse contributed to her departure from the band. The lead singer suggested that Wretzky started a gradual slide towards instability or drug use (you can choose either) in the wake of the Smashing Pumpkins’ 1995 album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness‘s success.

In his 2005 message board post, Corgan stated that Wretzy’s performance during recording sessions didn’t meet the level he expected or required. He clarified that this wasn’t about blame but rather his mistrust of her in the studio environment. Later, Wretzy played nine extra concerts with the band in April 1999 before being dismissed.

It appears that Corgan’s accusations were supported when Wretzy was apprehended for possessing crack cocaine in January 2000. He admitted guilt, as reported by MTV News, and was mandated to finish a drug education course. Additionally, the bassist was imprisoned twice in 2011; the first instance was due to missing four court hearings, while the second was for misdemeanor drunken-driving and road rage charges in Michigan.

Wretzky continues to feud with the Pumpkins

In a chat with Chicago Q101, Wretzy admitted that her ongoing health issues have hindered her frequent musical performances. However, she’s still managed to grab attention due to her tumultuous past with ex-bandmate Corgan. Back in 2008, she teamed up with her former boyfriend James Iha to sue Smashing Pumpkins for unauthorized use of their songs as ringtones. Furthermore, Wretzy alleged that she was invited to rejoin the band for several tour dates in 2018, only for Corgan to abruptly withdraw the invitation.

According to Corgan, Wretzky was indeed extended an invitation to rejoin the band, but she chose not to accept it on each occasion when offered. He stated, “Wretzky has been repeatedly invited to play with the group, work on demo sessions, or even just meet up in person. However, every time, she declined the offer.

Throughout her career, D’arcy Wretzy has been involved in numerous musical projects. However, her past conflicts with her previous band have tended to eclipse these accomplishments. Regardless of whether it’s for good or ill, she will forever be recognized as a key member of the Smashing Pumpkins.

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2025-04-21 22:00

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