Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Smashing Pumpkins have released a statement explaining why original bassist D'arcy Wretzky will be absent from the band's upcoming reunion.
"In reuniting the Smashing Pumpkins, the band's dedication remains to its fans and its music," a spokesperson for the band said. "To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and William Corgan haven't played a show with D'arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it's not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon."