James Iha about Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins

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Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist and co-founder James Iha tells that he hasn't spoken to Billy Corgan 'for over a decade'

[samwoodson]

I don't get why everybody is attacking James here. The guy just seems really relaxed and isn't shitting on anybody else. He's just saying that the Smashing Pumpkins isn't a part of his life any more, it'd be pretty unhealthy if he was obsessing over them when he's not in the band. He's doing his own thing now and still everybody's like "Oh fuck him!"

[jjcs]

James is a stand up guy. He is moving on. Let it be.

[xundeadgirlx]

James seems like such a mellow, laid back guy. Maybe he has a hint of bitter feelings toward Billy, but life goes on, and he's still playing music, good for him!

[Shmaynoria]

I love James Iha. He's right, Smashing Pumpkins died with Machina. Corgan is the man, but seriously, his attempt at reviving the band without any of the original members is severely insufficient. Corgan, Iha, D'arcy and Chamberlin will always be the Pumpkins for me.

[brycebustamante]

Just saw him and Billy play last night. The two of them together had great chemistry on stage it was great to see

[erikmenendez]

Very intelligent response. Great guy.

[paroleepintlavalamp]

I really like James. He always seems like a chill dude. After being with Corgan for 10+ years I think I would get tired of it, as well.

[TheGreatIndoors]

1:16 "People come in and out of your wife."

Ah, I think I've spotted the root of the issue.

[U-rok]

So glad he and Billy patched things up. What a great musical writing pair.

[logwind]

Sad as fuck that people who worked together to create something that became important to millions don't even speak to each other any longer.

[cierra]

It's always super annoying when interviewers and fans can't seem to let go of the past. James is doing his own thing and has been for years, if he doesn't consider Smashing Pumpkins part of his life anymore he shouldn't be constantly asked about it no matter how big of an impact it made on the industry. And he's right tbh. Smashing Pumpkins probably would have been better off ending in 2000.

[discardmyfriends]

James just wanted a break from the constant touring. Can't blame him, everyone needs a change no matter how much money you're making. Glad him and Billy made amends

[TheCheffer]

Every interview I have watched with James Iha, he is always honest and thoughtful with his statements.

[jmafjaf]

Sad. Together they made some of the best music of all time. For me, it was the best.

[AJLangford]

Alot of undeservedhate going on here but James is very respectful, doesn't go into detail and is quite decent about what must have been a pretty tumultuous time. People do come and go and its only since the rise of social media that they resurface in an unnatural way. He's moved on. So should everyone else.

[Joker-igim]

Great answer at the time James. You have always been such a class act. I'm just seeing this for the first time 9/1/2020 when the wise old algorithm of YouTube thought I should. This was so interesting to watch with todays perspective knowing the way everything turned out. Coming from a 50 year old fan of 30 years who has seen you play live probably 20 times over the years, you are an incredible musician and you seem like an all around great guy. So glad to be a witness to your continued success.

[mikebyrd]

I'm glad they are back together making great music 🎶🎶

[TraumaER]

This was depressing because it's too accurate. When you look back on your life, you will realize you will lose contact with hundreds of people you once hung out with.

💯

[AdamF]

I can’t think of the Pumpkins without James or Jimmy. James added so much to the tone of the band and brought a lot of balance. He’s a very good songwriter also. His Mellon Collie/Aeroplane Flies High era stuff is great. Maybe James is just a somewhat socially awkward guy and maybe unintentionally passive aggressive whereas Billy is very comfortable in the public eye and never seems nervous, even best friends have fights.

[ken_caminiti]

Interviewer: "Must be sad"

James: "Yeah, well, I guess ... but I'm worth 20 million dollars ... so not really."