Kiki Wong, the Smashing Pumpkins’ newest live guitarist, is proving that her talents go far beyond her social media presence. In a recent interview with Revv Amps on YouTube, Wong opened up about her journey to joining the legendary rock band, her audition experience, and the challenges she’s faced as a musician.
The Audition Process
Wong recounted her excitement when she received a Zoom call for the audition:
“I got on the Zoom call with the band, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, is this real?’ Ended up talking with Billy a lot about Dimebag Darrell. I was like, ‘This is so cool.’”
Her journey continued with an in-person jam session in Los Angeles, which she approached as a once-in-a-lifetime experience:
“At that point, I was just excited to be there, even if it was just to jam with them. The fact that I got to play with legends—it’s so cool.”
The very next day, she received the call confirming she was the Smashing Pumpkins’ newest member, a moment that came faster than she ever expected.
From TikTok to the Stage
Wong addressed the misconception that she’s “just a TikTok influencer,” emphasizing her long history as a musician:
“I’ve been doing music since 2010, playing real holes… Playing gigs to no one. There was no one there sometimes, and you’re still playing your heart out. It’s a full show.”
At 35, Wong had nearly written off the possibility of touring due to her responsibilities as a mother to her one-year-old. However, with the support of her family and partner, she seized the opportunity.
A Fan Favorite
Billy Corgan revealed that he was already a fan of Wong’s work before she auditioned, adding an extra layer of validation to her achievement. Wong herself has been candid about the struggles that shaped her journey, noting:
“I’ve experienced far more failures than successes, thousands of rejections and a handful of ‘we’ll sees,’ and even a point where I just gave up and didn’t touch a guitar for almost three years.”
First Show and Future Tours
In June 2024, Wong made her debut with the Smashing Pumpkins during their UK tour alongside Weezer, starting in Birmingham. Reflecting on her experiences so far, Wong expressed gratitude for the hard-fought road that led her to the band and the chance to play with legends.
Wong’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion, offering inspiration to musicians who are grinding away in pursuit of their dreams.