The Smashing Pumpkins bassist Ginger Pooley has left the band to raise her new baby with her husband. Billy Corgan has announced that he will look for a new bassist in the same manner as he found new drummer Mike Byrne last year: via an open audition process.

It might be beneficial if you can say the following phrases fluently:

"Damn Billy that sounds great."
"Corgan you are the best composer of the 90's."
"Billy that new song is the natural progression of old Pumpkins meets new Pumpkins."

These flattering statements will keep you employed with Corgan perhaps long enough for him to want to tour. Here is the information on how to apply for the job. I am guessing you can't just can't play Happy Birthday on the bass and be accepted.

Bassists and keyboardists looking to play with the PUMPKINS should send their background info (including age, a resume of any bands/recorded work), photos and performance web links via email only, either to pumpkinsbass@gmail.com or pumpkinskeys@gmail.com. Note: only musicians with video clips can be considered. YouTube.com-type posts are perfect — that's how Mike was found.

Final date for submission is March 31.

For more information, visit www.smashingpumpkins.com.