Is James Iha Leaving Smashing Pumpkins After the 2018 Tour?

Smashing Pumpkins are in the midst of their massive Shiny and Oh So Bright tour and gearing up to release SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL. 1 / LP: NO PAST. NO FUTURE. NO SUN. — the band's first album to include founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin in 18 years — on November 16th. But what are Iha's plans after this whirlwind year?

The guitarist recently opened up to Guitar Player about his future with Smashing Pumpkins.

“I’m back in the band. But I think before all this started, I was thinking more, Let’s just see how this goes and take it from there," he explained. "But you know, it’s been great. The shows have been great, and everyone’s excited — tired, but excited. Because we’re playing pretty long shows! [laughs] But I’m pretty happy with everything.”

He also explained the recording process on the new album.

“I just kind of played whatever was around. There was a rack of guitars in the studio, and I’d try out a couple different ones really fast and see what worked," he said. "I also brought in a Les Paul Custom. It’s a newer one, and it’s chambered, which is great — because they’re so heavy! Then for amps, I know there was some Friedman in there. But again, it was whatever was around in the studio.”

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