Mtv.com

December 9, 1999

Smashing Pumpkins to Unveil Auf Der Maur at Hometown Shows

The Smashing Pumpkins will give their hometown fans a holiday treat later this month with two Chicago shows that will see the debut of new touring bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur.

Auf Der Maur will make her Pumpkins debut at two shows at Chicago's Metro on December 20 and 21. The second night of that run coincides with the release of "Stand Inside Your Love," the first single from the group's new album, "Machina: The Machines Of God." That album arrives on February 29.

The Chicago shows are the only U.S. dates before the group (which includes reinstated drummer Jimmy Chamberlin) heads off for Europe in January. Tickets for the Chicago shows go on sale this Friday.

Auf Der Maur had been with Hole, but split from that group in October. At the time, Auf Der Maur's musical plans were unclear, but the Pumpkins announced her as their new touring bassist late last month.