Jimmy Chamberlin speaks out about quitting Smashing Pumpkins

Jimmy Chamberlin posted a statement on his official blog regarding his exit from the Smashing Pumpkins last week. He said:

By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me. 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.
Stay tuned……. JC

It sounds like the issue may have been an ownership issue Chamberlin had with Billy Corgan. Chamberlin joined the Smashing Pumpkins in 1988. He might have considered doing some solo stuff, or side projects, over the years he could call his own. At least Corgan was kind enough to share honors with Chamberlin such as when the Smashing Pumpkins were inducted into Hollywood’s RockWalk at the Guitar Center on April 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.