Kiki Wong
Kiki Wong | |
|---|---|
| Artists | The Smashing Pumpkins |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 2024–present |
| Associated acts | Vigil of War |
| Website | kikiwongo |
| @kikiwongo | |
| TikTok | @kikiwongo |
Kiki Wong is a Los Angeles-based rock guitarist who joined the touring lineup of The Smashing Pumpkins in 2024.[1] She has a large following on social media and has been called one of Instagram's "foremost shredders."[2] She has performed with acts such as Taylor Swift, Usher, Bret Michaels, and bands Nylon Pink, Hellfire Heart – and Vigil of War, with whom she still is a member.[2]
Following the departure of long-time guitarist Jeff Schroeder, The Smashing Pumpkins announced on January 5, 2024, that they were looking for a new guitarist and everyone was welcome to apply. Within weeks, the band had received over 10,000 submissions with "8 people working full-time to review each and every one."[3] By mid-April, Wong made an Instagram story picturing her son and featuring the song "The Boy". On April 26, 2024, The Smashing Pumpkins made the announcement confirming Wong as the new touring guitarist.
| “ | Reviewing the work of these incredible musicians was a herculean, albeit worthy effort. First off, I really want to thank everyone who submitted materials for consideration. It wasn’t an easy decision with how much great guitar playing we were lucky enough to hear and see over the past few months. I was a fan of Kiki's before she submitted her name to be considered—and it’s great that someone of her acumen will be part of our touring family. I can’t wait to hit the road with Kiki as part of our mad circus. It’s definitely an exciting moment for the Smashing Pumpkins to be this busy with touring in 2024. We’ll see you all this summer! | ” |
| — Billy Corgan | ||
| “ | It's been an absolute wild ride, but I am beyond honored and humbled to be chosen to perform alongside some of rock's greatest and most influential musicians of all time. I never thought little ol' 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment. It goes to show hard work and perseverance truly pays off if you're willing to push through the tough stuff, so never lose hope out there. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to share the stage with the legendary Smashing Pumpkins! | ” |
| — Kiki Wong | ||
Touring stats
- Total shows: 60 shows
- First performance: The Smashing Pumpkins 2024-06-07 at Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Last performance: The Smashing Pumpkins 2024-09-28 at Petco Park, San Diego, CA, US
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Strauss, Matthew. "The Smashing Pumpkins, After Public Casting Call, Announce Kiki Wong as New Touring Guitarist". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Astley-Brown, Michael. ""I never thought little ol' 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment": Smashing Pumpkins name social media shredder Kiki Wong as new guitarist after 10,000 applications". Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ↑ Astley-Brown, Michael. ""There are 8 people working full-time to review each and every one": The Smashing Pumpkins receive 10,000 submissions for new guitarist role". Guitar World. Retrieved April 27, 2024.