Smashing Pumpkins’ new guitarist, Kiki Wong, shared her feelings following her final concert with the band.
In her Instagram post, she celebrated their tour, saying, “And that’s a wrap! 22 stadium shows and 15 headline shows later, we done did the thing with the most incredible bands on the planet.” She reflected on the experience, describing it as “an otherworldly experience to be able to perform with Smashing Pumpkins and share the stage with the iconic musicians of Green Day, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas.”
Wong expressed her surprise at her achievements, stating, “Never in a million years did I think I’d be where I’m standing today.” She acknowledged her past struggles, mentioning, “I’m used to working exponentially hard for a handful of successes and a majority of failures, try agains, or do overs. I’m used to goals just being right outside of reach and making more sacrifices than reaping the fruits of my labor.”
She also discussed her journey, noting, “But because I mustered up the courage and put my name in the hat for this audition, because I’ve been rejected so much I no longer fear it, because a few legendary music icons took a chance on believing in me, I now have a second chance at pursuing my dreams.” She concluded, “And now my dreams are beyond the moon.”
Wong expressed her gratitude to the Smashing Pumpkins team, writing, “No words can describe my gratitude for everyone in the Smashing Pumpkins band, crew, management, and of course the fans.” She mentioned missing her family but emphasized her appreciation for her tour family, stating, “I’m now home with my family who’ve I missed so dearly, but I will always and forever be thankful for my tour family.”
She ended her statement with excitement, saying, “Can’t wait to be back at it again in a month. See you soon, in South America!”
In October 2023, Smashing Pumpkins announced the departure of longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder. Following his exit, the band sought a new guitarist, accepting applications via email in January. By January 17, they had received over 10,000 submissions and selected eight people to review them. On April 26, the band revealed that Wong had been chosen as their new touring guitarist.
The South American leg of the tour is set to begin on November 1 in Brasilia, Brazil, and conclude on November 16 in Guácima, Costa Rica.
Photo Credit: Kiki Wong – Instagram
