The Smashing Pumpkins has been an iconic alt-rock ban for decades. And now the group has added a new member to help them carry on for decades more.
"The news you have been waiting for has finally arrived," the band announced on social media last week. "SP is excited to officially welcome highly-skilled veteran guitarist Kiki Wong. Kiki joins the band's touring lineup of Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and James Iha, along with mainstays Jack Bates and Katie Cole."
The band said in January it was seeking a new guitar player after Jeff Schroeder announced his departure from the group in October.
The Smashing Pumpkins put out a public call for an additional guitarist in January, and in less than two weeks, they announced they received more than 10,000 submissions for the job – so many that eight people were "working full-time to review each and every one."
Kiki Wong's journey to joining the group started with her passion for music at a young age. She began playing guitar for the Los Angeles-based rock band, Vigil of War, after years of musical exploration. Wong's musical path began at 6 years old with classical piano lessons, leading to her first acoustic guitar at 13. She delved into playing the drums and participating in various garage bands before deciding to pursue music full-time.
After earning a pre-med bachelor's degree in biological science, Wong dedicated herself to music with the all-Asian-American girl band Nylon Pink. Her career flourished, breaking barriers and blending genres to create a unique sound.
"It's never too early or too late to follow your dreams," Wong shares on her website. Her music gained recognition, with Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan expressing admiration for her work. Corgan eagerly anticipates Wong joining their upcoming international tour, commending her talent and vision.
The band's tour commences in the U.K. in June, extending to the U.S. and Canada from July to September, promising an exciting musical experience for fans worldwide.
Reflecting on her journey to joining the band, Wong describes it as "an absolute wild ride." Her dedication to music and fearless approach to blending styles and breaking stereotypes have propelled her to new heights in the music industry.
"I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been selected to perform alongside some of the most legendary and influential rock musicians of all time," she expressed. "As a 15-year-old girl playing metal guitar in my bedroom, I never imagined I would reach this point. This just goes to show that hard work and determination truly do pay off, as long as you are willing to persevere through challenges. So, to everyone out there, never give up hope."
Wong, who comes from a Korean and Chinese background, will be joining The Smashing Pumpkins at the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
"Being an Asian American woman in the rock and heavy metal industry is no easy feat," she shared in a 2021 interview with Asian American Pacific Islander Musicians. "I have faced a lot of negativity from those who judge me based on my identity. While it has been challenging, the amount of positive feedback and support I have received far outweighs the negativity."
"Growing up in a community that was 92% Caucasian, with minimal exposure to other Asians outside of my family, I struggled to understand my identity and find where I belonged at a young age," she continued. "I hope to see more young AAPI musicians emerge who are passionate about keeping rock and roll alive. I aspire to inspire them to break free from societal norms and feel empowered to express themselves through music without fear of judgment."
