D'arcy Wretzky
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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.
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[edit] 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 crack 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.
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 bass duties on all but one track of the band's final album MACHINA/The Machines of God.
[edit] Reunion plans
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 20, 2006, it was officially announced on www.smashingpumpkins.com that the band was back together writing material. While currently in the studio, Corgan and Chamberlin are the only confirmed members of the band. It is doubtful that Wretzky will join as well. It appears that the relationship between her and Corgan remains bitter, which is apparent in Corgan's blog entry for February 17, 2004, calling her a "mean spirited drug addict."[1] 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."[2] Additionally, it appears that the band has been trying out other bassists, including former Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery according to a posting on a website for Avery's former band Polar Bear, though Avery's involvement subsequently ended without him joining the band. There has been no comment from Wretzky about anything concerning the Pumpkins at this point.
[edit] Personal life
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. [3]
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. [4]
[edit] References
- ^ Billy Corgan's Personal Blog. Written February 17, 2004
- ^ Cohen, Johnathan (2006). Corgan, Chamberlin Revive Smashing Pumpkins (http). Billboard.com. Retrieved on February 03, 2006.
- ^ Biography at DarcyWretzky.org, a fansite, not official.
- ^ Crakehner Times Newsletter
[edit] External links
- Darcywretzky.org - D'arcy Wretzky Fan Site
- The Smashing Pumpkins - The Smashing Pumpkins official website.
- Netphoria.org - Smashing Pumpkins Fan Site.
- Siva - Smashing Pumpkins Fan Site
- Spfc.org
