Teenage drummer 'joins Smashing Pumpkins'

A young musician has reportedly been inducted into The Smashing Pumpkins' lineup as their new official drummer, Angry Ape reports.

Frontman Billy Corgan plucked 19-year-old Mike Byrne from obscurity to play with the US rockers earlier this year, after the departure of former sticksman Jimmy Chamberlin.

The Oregon teenager wrote on his MySpace page that he had spent months honing his skills "at Pumpkin camp". He will make his debut with the group on their next album.

Byrne said: "I'm super excited to be playing with the band. Dream come true, man... I've always thought that Billy's interpretation of music was a real fresh one."

Corgan added: "I'm excited to work with him moving forward - he truly deserves this opportunity. I believe in my heart he will push me to be a better musician."