Billy Corgan has vowed to continue recording with the Smashing Pumpkins despite drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's decision to leave the group.

Along with Corgan, Chamberlin was the group's only other remaining original member.

In a statement, the singer said Chamberlin had “left the group”, adding that he would "continue to write and record as Smashing Pumpkins".

Chamberlin joined the Smashing Pumpkins in 1988 and appeared on every one of the band's albums except 1998's 'Adore'.

After splitting in 2000, Corgan and Chamberlin formed Zwan before reforming the Smashing Pumpkins in 2005.

Corgan said he intended to return to the studio later this spring to record the follow-up to the band's 2007 album 'Zeitgeist'.

(by Jason Gregory)