The Smashing Pumpkins are holding open auditions to find a replacement drummer following the departure of Jimmy Chamberlin.

The drummer, the group's only remaining original member alongside singer Billy Corgan, quit earlier this month to pursue other projects.

In a statement, Corgan said he was looking for musicians with “an exceptional drumming ability” and “desire to be part of a massive creative and progressive musical project”.

“The Smashing Pumpkins are continuing to make music after the departure of original member Jimmy Chamberlin,” the statement said.

“When Jimmy originally auditioned for The Smashing Pumpkins, he was playing in a locally touring jazz band that was playing weddings and street fairs.

“It just goes to show that you never know where the next big talent will come from.”

The open auditions will take place in Los Angeles on April 10th.

The band are due to return to the studio later this spring to record the follow-up to the 2007 album 'Zeitgeist'.

(by Jason Gregory)