Billy Corgan recently recognized D’arcy Wretzky’s important role in the Smashing Pumpkins in a video shared on Substack. He noted that during the band’s early years, her opinions were more influential than those of the other members. Corgan reflected on the 30th anniversary of their iconic album, *Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness*, which featured Wretzky before she left the band in 1999.
Corgan said, “D’arcy had a way of letting it be known what she thought was moving the band forward, laterally, or backwards. Of the four of us, her opinion carried more weight.” This acknowledgment comes after a history of tension between the two musicians. Corgan has been hesitant to discuss Wretzky’s contributions due to their public dispute in 2018 over the band’s reunion, which she was not part of.
He added, “Her contribution, spiritually and emotionally, had a lot to do with the band’s success. I respected her musical opinion. We disagreed on many things, but when we aligned musically, it was powerful.” Corgan highlighted the unique chemistry of the original lineup, which produced three albums between 1992 and 1997, with two of those being pivotal in the band’s journey.
Wretzky left the Smashing Pumpkins before the release of *Machina/The Machines of God* in 2000, although she was credited for bass on the album. Melissa Auf der Maur took over on bass before the band disbanded in December 2000 for six years.
Fans can now pre-order the 30th Anniversary edition of *Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness*.
