| SOMEBODY "SMASHED"INTO THE "PUMPKINS" REHEARSAL SPACE
Burglars broke into the Smashing Pumpkins' Chicago rehearsal space last week, according to Pitchfork Media, making off with three guitar picks and 39 photos that were believed to be part of either the artwork or marketing campaign for the band's upcoming reunion album, Zeitgeist.
A statement from the group's management confirmed the break-in, adding that the thieves were already in police custody and facing criminal charges. The statement added, "The group feels their rights have been violated by this crime and will always pursue their rights and the law to protect their property and the safety of themselves, their families and their fans."
* According to MTV.com, the alleged culprits were Joshua Kuhl of Madison, Wisconsin, and Simon Brown of Rockford, Illinois, both 21 years old. Both are charged with felony burglary and were being held on $100,000 bond.
* Among the stolen photos were images of Paris Hilton in front of a mushroom cloud, the Grim Reaper standing at the U.S. president's podium, and Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan posing with a topless woman. The photos were briefly posted at fan site Netphoria.com before being taken down.
* Zeitgeist is due out on July 7th. The band will play its first North American show on that same date, as part of the Live Earth concert taking place at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
* The Pumpkins will give their first live performance since 2000 on May 22nd at the Grand Rex in Paris, France.
* Although there's still no official word on who will be in the Pumpkins lineup beside Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, Blabbermouth reported that former Scorpions guitarist Uli Roth will rather randomly make a special guest appearance with the band at two German festivals June 2nd and 3rd. | 
