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The relaunched SMASHING PUMPKINS has set "Zeitgeist" as the title of its sixth album, due on July 7 (a Saturday). The news was broken this morning to fans that had been added by the band as a "friend" on MySpace.com.

Launch Radio Networks reported last week that its looking more and more likely that the new SMASHING PUMPKINS lineup will not include original members James Iha on guitar and DArcy Wretzky on bass. PUMPKINS manager Paul Geary hinted at a different formation in comments he made to MTV.com, saying, "Ive been involved with bands whose members cant stand each other, and over time they run out of dough and thats why they (reunite). But Billys (Corgan, PUMPKINS leader) making a great record, and for the sake of a younger generation that he wants to turn on to the bands music, he is doing it with a band that will more faithfully re-create the old songs than ever before."

Geary did not say anything further about the new PUMPKINS lineup. The only confirmed original member besides Corgan is drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.

Corgan often expressed irritation in the past with Iha and Wretzkys playing, and it was rumored that he recorded all of their parts himself on much of the PUMPKINS recorded output.

Geary, who also manages GODSMACK and was formerly the drummer for 80s rockers EXTREME, added that the PUMPKINS are not being reactivated for the money. He said, "Theyve had some amazingly big offers ââ,¬â€� some seven-figure ones to play certain shows ââ,¬â€� and Billy has passed on several because he didnt think it was the right thing for the band."

The PUMPKINS will play their first live dates since 2000 in early June at two German festivals.

Upcoming SMASHING PUMPKINS shows:

Jun. 02 - Rock Am Ring - Nürburgring, GER
Jun. 03 - Rock Im Park - Nürnberg, GER
Jun. 15 - Nova Rock - Nickelsdorf, AUT
Jun. 17 - Greenfield - Interlaken, SWI

More tour dates are expected to be announced shortly.


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