John Dolmayan Auditions For Smashing Pumpkins
You’re never too famous to audition. At least that was the mentality former System of A Down drummer John Dolmayan took with him to audition for The Smashing Pumpkins. Pumpkins frontman/genius Billy Corgan recently auditioned 12 drummers for the spot left open when founding member Jimmy Chamberlin departed in March. Dolmayan would certainly be an interesting fit for the Chicago-based rock group. He’s certainly proved his chops during his 12 year run with System of A Down. Stay locked in to Drummer Talk for more news.
Source: Musicradar.com
Waiting for System Of A Down to get back together? Better not. Last week, Billy Corgan checked out a dozen drummers to join The Smashing Pumpins, and SOAD’s John Dolmayan (last seen in Scars On Broadway) was one of the candidates.
A message from Corgan on The Smashing Pumpkins’ website reads: “In total, 12 drummers were auditioned [in Los Angeles] on Tuesday. An additional tryout could potentially be held in May due to such overwhelming response to the audition process.”
“A very positive experience”“Overall, the drumming auditions were considered a very positive experience,” Corgan continues. “The talent in all the drummers that tried out was incredible. Some of the candidates include John Dolmayan of SYSTEM OF A DOWN and Frank Lenz, a past bandmate of guitarist Jeff Schroeder from THE LASSIE FOUNDATION.”
“The talent in all the drummers that tried out was incredible” Billy Corgan
The auditions – part of Corgan’s plan to rebuild The Smashing Pumpkins from the ground up – were the result of founding member Jimmy Chamberlin’s decision to leave the band.
Chamberlin called his departure “a positive move forward,” adding, “I can no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don’t fully possess. I won’t pretend I’m into something I’m not. I won’t do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can’t just ‘cash the check,’ so to speak.”
No “bad blood,” says ChamberlinChamberlin added that there was “no drama” or “bad blood” between him and Corgan and that he will concentrate on playing music with his own group, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
It would be interesting to hear what Corgan and Dolmayan could do together. But the fact that Billy hasn’t yet named him the drummer means one thing: you’ve still got a shot!
Apr 21, 2009 @ 17:27:24
I’d rather Dolmayan got back with SOAD. The Pumkins rocked, but their time has passed and Chamberlin knew it.
Apr 21, 2009 @ 17:43:07
Caption:
“Why you takin’ my picture while I’m drummin’???”
Apr 25, 2009 @ 07:51:51
If you like(d) the Siamese Dream era Pumpkins (I did), then definitely check out Silversun Pickups. I’ve really been enjoying their newest album (<- yes, I am old) for the past week. They sound A LOT like older SP and at first I was put off by it. But it really is some great “homage”. And to echo Alan Kenny’s comment, I think it’s pretty unlikely that SP themselves (himself?) will pass this way again.
Oct 21, 2009 @ 12:04:49
i think the drummer of system of a down is kinda cute when i seen the video couple yeas ago of b.y.o.b on vh1 i got in their music they are the best group i ever known if their is a way i could meet them i like to see their concert someday john dolmayan is a good drummer for the band
Jan 01, 2010 @ 18:39:15
OMG.. john is the hotness.. but with Smashing Pumpkins?? not so much..he is a heavy hitter and would rather he do his own project than picking up the slack of some soupy 90’s era throw back. Much love John…