Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan has confirmed that the band have returned to recording and will tour this year, seven years after they played their โ€˜lastโ€™ performance.

Singer and guitarist Corgan has yet to say whoโ€™s in the current line-up โ€“ it is not clear if founding memebers James Iha and Dโ€™arcy Wretzky are involved.

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Corganโ€™s announcement on his Myspace page, says that a new album will be ready soon and that โ€œThis year will see a new album of songs and a world tour of tears, and we truly look forward to playing again for fans, young, old and missedโ€ฆ So yes, tunes are being dusted offโ€ฆWhen we opened the lid on this music box, we were pleasantly surprised at the music that played: familiar yet unknown.โ€

He also alludes to the time that has elapsed since the bandโ€™s split in 2000, saying โ€œFor many years there were private laments about opportunities missed and hearts so broken, but no moreโ€ฆ we have turned the page and moved onโ€ฆthis age calls for resolve and certitude, and the fire within to burn ever bright.โ€

Release and performance dates dates are still to be confirmed, although various sources are linking the band with appearances at a number of European festivals this summer.

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For more information and to read the full message โ€“ Click here to go to Smashing Pumpkins Myspace page