Jimmy Chamberlin leaves Smashing Pumpkins

Smashing Pumpkins' drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has left the group, according to a press release issued by band founder Billy Corgan. Chamberlin played on all of the Pumpkins' albums except 1998's "Adore."

Corgan will continue to write and record as Smashing Pumpkins, and plans to head into the studio this spring.

On his blog, Chamberlin wrote: "I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me. I can no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don't fully possess. I won't pretend I'm into something I'm not. I won't do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can't just, 'Cash the check' so to speak. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. I'm sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music. My best goes out to Billy and I'm glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right. I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex as well as pursuing other musical interests."