Well here’s an Easter surprise that nobody saw coming: The Smashing Pumpkins have reunited with ex-guitarist James Iha live on stage for the first time in 16 years.
Iha was a core member during the Pumpkins’ seminal years, and played lead guitar (as well as writing and occasionally singing) until their official disbanding in 2000. When they announced a reformation in 2012, Iha did not join Billy Corgan and co, revealing that he hadn’t spoken to Corgan in at least ten years.
Until now, that is.
Jeff + Billy + James + Jimmy 3/26/2016 @SmashingPumpkin pic.twitter.com/gC7v6I1VHr
— Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) March 27, 2016
On Saturday night, the Smashing Pumpkins took to the stage of the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Iha, who turned 48 on the day, showed up on stage, much to the delight, shock and disbelief of many in the audience. Inf act, Corgan had to actually confirm into the microphone, “Yes, it’s James Iha.”
For the first time in sixteen years, Iha joined the band to perform a selection of tracks from their stunning 19993 album Siamese Dream, including some of the penultimate tracks of their entire career – Disarm, Soma, Rocket, Today, Mayonaise, and Spaceboy, as well as Whir from Pisces Iscariot.
Watch a selection of fan footage here, including a rendition of Happy Birthday, led by Corgan.
Image: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images