Smashing Pumpkins Hire 19 Year Old Boy as Replacement Drummer

Alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins recently announced that 19 year old Oregon native, Mike Byrne will be joining the band. Byrne will be added as the band's new drummer. He has been playing drums for 11 years and after hearing his demo tape, lead singer Billy Corgan was "blown away". Even though Byrne is much younger than the other members of the band (he wasn't even born yet when the band first formed in 1988), Corgan believes that he has an "X Factor" that will amount to much success for the band.

Byrne will be replacing former drummer Jimmy Chamberline. Chamberline was the band's drummer from 1988-1998. He is 45 years old, 26 years older than Byrne. It will be hard for Byrne to match up, but I am confident that he will be just as good, if not better than Chamberline.

How do you feel about The Smashing Pumpkin's decision to allow a 19 year old to join the band? I personally think it's an inspiration to all young kids out there that dreams really do come true. If you work hard enough and believe in yourself you really can make it. It doesn't matter how old you are. The only thing that really matters is your determination, work ethic, and of course talent.