System Of A Down's John Dolmayan was one of 12 drummers who auditioned for Smashing Pumpkins last Tuesday.
System Of A Down have been on hiatus for three years, but haven't officially broken up. Dolmayan and SOAD guitarist Daron Malakian's new band, Scars On Broadway, released their debut album last July. Dolmayan also played on SOAD frontman Serj Tankian's Elect The Dead solo debut and has performed a few shows with Tool.
Dolmayan has also launched an online comic store, so perhaps spending time at the kit with the Pumpkins behind frontman Billy Corgan could also provide him with inspiration for a new comic hero: Superjerk.
"Overall the drumming auditions were considered a very positive experience," said a message posted on the Smashing Pumpkins website last Thursday. "The talent in all the drummers that tried out was incredible."
The talent couldn't have been that incredible, however, since it appears another drummer tryout is likely to be scheduled in May.
Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin left Smashing Pumpkins in March. He joined the band in 1988 and played on every Pumpkins album with the exception of 1998's Adore. He was also a member of the short-lived Zwan with Corgan, A Perfect Circle bassist Paz Lenchantin, Chavez singer/guitarist Matt Sweeney and former Slint guitarist David Pajo.
"I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me," Chamberlin posted on his website about his departure from the Pumpkins. "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. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. I'm sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music. My best goes out to Billy and I'm glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right.
"I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex as well as pursuing other musical interests. I feel that I have a long way to go and a lot to give. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support through all of this. I am constantly humbled by all of you! It is an honor and a privilege to play music for a living and I don’t take it for granted not even for a second."
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