Walker Leaving Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins announced this weekend that drummer Matt Walker (formerly of Filter) will leave the band to focus his attention on his new band, Cupcakes, recently signed to DreamWorks.

In a statement released by Smashing Pumpkins publicist Gayle Fine, the group stated: "Matt is a tremendous talent and we wish him all the best and much success with his band. We are very grateful that he has helped us so much." When asked who might replace Walker -- hired by the Pumpkins in August 1996 to round out their touring lineup -- Fine said that the band has no comment at this time.

Walker's final appearance with Smashing Pumpkins will be on Dec. 5 in Miami, where they are scheduled to open for the Rolling Stones. The Pumpkins are currently in the studio working on a follow-up to the multiplatinum Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

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Song Stories

“Oh Sherrie”

Steve Perry | 1984

Steve Perry's girlfriend Sherrie Swafford was actually in the studio when Perry began writing this song--his lone Top Ten hit as a solo act--with two co-writers. The trio began at midnight one night with just "Oh, Sherrie!" and "hold on, hold on." Three hours later, they had a complete song. Swafford, however, had to wait until the next day to hear it. "Sherrie actually got tired and went to bed," Perry said. She also appeared in the video, but their relationship did not hold on for long.

More Song Stories entries »

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