D'arcy Wretzky
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D'arcy Wretzky around 1995 |
D'arcy Elizabeth Wretzky (born
May 1,
1968 in
South Haven, Michigan), also known simply as
D'arcy, is a rock musician best known for her work as a
bass player with the highly successful
alternative rock band
The Smashing Pumpkins.
The group was founded in 1988 by
Billy Corgan and
James Iha. Corgan and Wretzky met at a local rock club when Corgan took exception to comments he heard her making about the band they saw perform that night. An argument and discussion followed, and Corgan, impressed with her attitude, but not her ability to play bass, recruited her into the band. D'arcy
dated fellow bandmate
James Iha during part of her time in the band. After nearly twelve years of performing with the band, Wretzky left in 1999 to pursue an acting career. In 2000, she was arrested for alleged possession of
cocaine. In December of the same year, the Smashing Pumpkins played their final show before officially breaking up. James Iha, who sustained a longtime closeness and friendship with Wretzky, noted her absence along with his own gratitude and love for her. In 2004, Corgan, holding a different opinion than that of Iha, referred to her in his
blog as a
"mean spirited drug addict." Wretzky is featured on the Smashing Pumpkins' studio albums
Gish,
Siamese Dream,
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, and
Adore. Prior to her departure, she also performed on all but one track of the band's final album
MACHINA/The Machines of God.
She was arrested January 25, 2000 on the west side of
Chicago after she allegedly purchased three bags of
crack cocaine. According to police, undercover officers observed Wretzky and a male companion enter a building on West Grand Avenue and then shortly afterwards return to their car. The driver, identified as Tony Young, then drove off, without his headlights on, and proceeded to make two illegal
U-turns before police stopped the car. When searched, the police found drugs in Young's pocket. The driver insisted they were not his, claiming that D'arcy "handed me some rocks to hold." Upon questioning, she admitted giving him the three plastic bags.She could have faced a felony charge, but was not formally charged with a crime. She successfully completed a court-ordered drug education program, and charges were dropped.
Since leaving the band, D'arcy has been living in
Watervliet, Michigan. She owns a horse farm and three
antique shops. One of the horses D'arcy owns "Jet Set Miss" was accepted into the
Arabian Horse Pilot Program in August 2000 after passing inspection in
Romeo, Michigan. [
1]
On
June 21 2005, Corgan announced plans to reunite the Pumpkins, by taking out a full-page advertisement in the
Chicago Tribune newspaper. On
April 20th,
2006, it was officially announced on
www.smashingpumpkins.com that the band was back together writing material. On July 28, 2006, the site was updated, saying the band was currently in the studio writing material for the next album. At this point, only Corgan and Chamberlin are confirmed to be returning to the line-up. However it is doubtful that Wretzky will join as well. It appears that the relationship between her and Corgan remains bitter. Also, when Wretzky left after the recording of
MACHINA, former
Hole bassist
Melissa Auf der Maur was recruited in her place to tour with the band in support of the Pumpkins' final album. In an interview, Auf der Maur said although she was not taking part in any reunion plans, she states "my services are always there to play my favorite songs. If D'arcy is not available, I'm always happy to be second in line."
Additionally, according to an entry made on
May 30,
2006 at his previous band,
Polar Bear's website, former
Jane's Addiction bassist
Eric Avery is the bassist for the band. There has been no comment from Wretzky about anything concerning the Pumpkins at this point.
Chamberlin, not Chamberlain is the correct spelling.
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Darcywretzky.org - D'arcy Wretzky Fan Site
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The Smashing Pumpkins - The Smashing Pumpkins official website.
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Netphoria.org - Smashing Pumpkins Fan Site.
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Siva - Smashing Pumpkins Fan Site
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Spfc.org
