The Smashing Pumpkins are looking for a new bassist and keyboard player, it was announced on Tuesday (March 9th) by the band's publicist. Bassist Ginger Pooley, who toured with the group in 2007 and 2008, has left the band to take care of her new baby, while it is not clear what happened with keyboard player Lisa Harriton. Band leader Billy Corgan plans to hold an open audition process to find the group's new members, similar to the manner in which he landed drummer Mike Byrne last year.

Pooley said in a statement, "Although I've been blessed beyond belief over the past few years through playing with the Pumpkins, my priority now is to keep our little family unit together, which includes my husband and my baby."

Corgan also said, "Although I am heartbroken that Ginger is leaving the group, I really respect her decision to put her family first. I appreciate everything that she has contributed to The Smashing Pumpkins, and I'm proud of her for being such a great musician and friend."

Corgan also commented on the audition process, saying, "We were lucky enough to find drummer Mike Byrne through an open audition process, so why not open the doors again to anyone who might be interested for the bass or keyboard position... Everyone is truly welcome to audition."

Electric Prunes bassist Mark Tulin will work with the group until a new bass player is found. Details of a world tour are expected to be unveiled shortly.

The Smashing Pumpkins are currently recording a 44-song album called 'Kaleidyscope By Teargarden,' with each song being released online as it is completed and a deluxe collection of the entire set due out when it's done.

In other news, Corgan's recent musical collaboration with rumored romantic partner Jessica Simpson, titled "Who We Are," has surfaced online.