In a recent Instagram post, Smashing Pumpkins’ Kiki Wong shared how joining the band was a turning point for her career.
The guitarist shared a video from the arena where she would perform her first stadium concert and wrote:
“Trying to play it cool but inside I am screaming! What a chest-pounding, knock the breath out of you experience it was to play with the Smashing Pumpkins, my first stadium show of many on our US tour with Green Day, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas. I thought my first arena was unfathomable: this is beyond next level.”
Smashing Pumpkins Gave Kiki A Great Opportunity
Just a few months ago, she thought she might never tour again:
“It still shocks me that only a few months ago in April, I thought I’d never be touring again. I came to terms with just making guitar videos in our living room and being a full-time mama. Now, I have been shot full trajectory into a world of unimaginable possibility, all thanks to Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, James Iha, Jack Bates & Katie Cole.”
Wong sent a message to those who are trying to realize their dreams:
“Moral of the story? Never, and I mean never by ANY f*cking means, give up on your potential. Dreams can be crushed with situations out of your control, but your potential is all in your own power. Push hard, be resilient, and sometimes with a stroke of a little luck, someone will recognize the fruits of your labor. Keep going and keep the shred alive!!”
Wong’s Feelings After The First Gig With The Band
After Jeff Schroeder left, Smashing Pumpkins said in January 2024 that they needed a new guitarist. They got over 10,000 applications and hired eight people to review them. In April, they announced Kiki as their new touring guitarist. Wong also got emotional after her first show with the group. She wrote on Instagram in June:
“What an absolute mind-blowing experience it was for Smashing Pumpkins’ first show of the tour at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Here are some fun fan photos taken from the show! I am so overwhelmed with excitement. It was such an honor to play my first arena on guitar with such an incredible group of musicians. Someone pinch me, actually don’t because I want to keep living this dream. Tonight we play the O2. Sold out show let’s go!!”
Smashing Pumpkins is currently on their North American tour. It started on July 29 in Washington, DC, and will end on September 28 in San Diego, California. The band will head towards South America in early November.
You can see Wong’s IG post here.
