Smashing Pumpkins holds open auditions

LOS ANGELES, CA Their current bassist, Ginger Pooley, is leaving the band to raise her new baby. Billy Corgan says he's "heartbroken" that Pooley is leaving but respects her decision to put her family first.

The band did not have a permanent keyboardist but Corgan says he wants someone who is a fan of and can play in the style of Jon Lord of Deep Purple and Rick Wakeman of Yes. Smashing Pumpkins found a drummer, Mike Byrne, through open auditions.

Interested musicians can send their age, resume and Web links to their performances to either PumpkinsBass@gmail.com or PumpkinsKeys@gmail.com by March 31.