The Smashing Pumpkins have fired drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who is accused of using heroin with a backup musician who died from an apparent overdose.
Chamberlin, 32, was arrested for misdemeanor heroin possession Friday in New York after the death of Jonathan Melvoin, who had been playing keyboards with the band on its tour. The drummer and Melvoin, 34, had injected a powerful brand of heroin together at a Park Avenue hotel, police said.The other members of the popular alternative rock band - frontman Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha and bassist D'Arcy - announced the firing Wednesday.
"For nine years, we have battled with Jimmy's struggles with the insidious disease of drug and alcohol addiction," the band said in a statement. "It has destroyed everything we stand for."
Chamberlin is to appear in court on Aug. 13.