Regrouped Pumpkins record new album

CHICAGO, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Smashing Pumpkins, an alternative rock band from Chicago that broke up in 2000, has reunited to record its first album in seven years.

The CD is being produced by Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen, The Cars and The Darkness, the band said on its Web site.

In 2004 frontman and songwriter Billy Corgan blamed guitarist James Iha and bass player D'Arcy Wretzky for the band's split, but said the Pumpkins were "essentially my entire life ... a dream I still believe in."

Corgan ran full-page advertisements in the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times in June 2005, announcing he planned to revive the Smashing Pumpkins. But beyond Corgan and drummer Chamberlain, the identity of the other band members is still a mystery, Billboard.com reported.

The group is being managed by Irving Azoff, who also handles Christina Aguilera and the Eagles.