Longtime Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain is back in the group—at least for its upcoming summer tour with Marilyn Manson. Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan told USA Today that Chamberlain, who hasn’t played with the group since 2009, was added when “an arrangement with another drummer fell through.” According to Corgan, after the group “suddenly found [itself] in the situation of not having anyone lined up,” it reached out to Chamberlain because, “you can’t just grab somebody and say, ‘Play drums on this Smashing Pumpkins song.’ Jimmy’s drum parts are so incredibly technical and nuanced that it’s a very rare class of people that can step in and play.”
Chamberlain seems to be glad to be back in the group for the summer. The drummer, who now owns a tech company in Chicago, says his return is a “great opportunity not only to celebrate the music, but to celebrate the friendship and the legacy.” Also joining the group for its live shows is Jimmy Bates, bassist and son of Joy Division and New Order member Peter Hook. Bates has been playing with his dad on recent tours and will join the Pumpkins for their upcoming tour, which kicks off July 7 in Concord, California.