Jimmy Chamberlin
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James Joseph "Jimmy" Chamberlin (born June 10, 1964, Joliet, Illinois) is a musician, best known as the drummer for the rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Chamberlin's primary training was as a jazz drummer, and he played in several local outfits before joining the Pumpkins shortly after their formation in 1988 (he replaced only a drum machine). Chamberlin's power and creativity often were credited as central to the Pumpkins' musical success.
Chamberlin had problems with substance abuse that came to a head at the peak of the Pumpkins' commercial popularity, during the 1996 tour for their album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Prior to shows scheduled at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Chamberlin and touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin used heroin in a hotel room; Melvoin overdosed and died. Because of Melvoin's death, Chamberlin was kicked out of the band, and was replaced by touring and session drummers. During this time, Chamberlin went back into rehab. In late 1996, he then joined Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Kelley Deal (The Breeders), and Jimmy Flemion (The Frogs) to form The Last Hard Men. They released one self-titled album. Three years later since his removal, in 1999, Chamberlin was re-admitted into the Smashing Pumpkins, but the band broke up in 2000 after one last album and tour.
Chamberlin went on to form Zwan in 2001 along with his longtime friend and creative foil, Pumpkins singer/guitarist Billy Corgan. Zwan later disbanded in 2003.
In April of 2002, Chamberlin married longtime girlfriend Lori, they both have a daughter, Audrey, who was born in December of 2002.
Chamberlin then formed the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, which recorded an album during 2004. Band personnel included Chamberlin (drums and lyrics), Billy Mohler (bass; also of The Calling), Sean Woolstenhulme (guitar; also of Lifehouse), and Rob Dickinson (vocals; formerly of Catherine Wheel).
Corgan announced at an April 2004 solo performance that he and Chamberlin intend to work together again in the future.
The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex released Life Begins Again on January 25, 2005.
External links
- Official website (http://www.jimmychamberlin.com/)