Ginger Reyes Biography 1977-

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Reyes eventually relocated to California where she had stints in bands called Lo Ball and Halo Friendlies. After those bands, she pursued a solo career under the stage name of Ginger Sling.

On April 6, 2007, Ginger Reyes was officially named the new bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins, an iconic band from her hometown of Chicago. Prior to touring, Reyes had the opportunity to practice with famed drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. “We got together a few days a week — just the two of us, but sometimes also with Jeff Schroeder, our guitar player,” Reyes has said. “All the time we spent playing together helped me understand Jimmy’s playing. I’ve started to get a sense of things like the fills he’d normally play. It also allowed me to get a good feel without relying on guitar or vocals.”

Since joining the Smashing Pumpkins, she has toured with the band and appeared in three of the music videos from their comeback album, Zeitgeist. Chamberlin dropped out of the band in March of 2009, but Reyes is still sticking to life on the road with Corgan. “Stepping into this band is like stepping into another league,” she has said. “Just a few months ago, I was hauling my own gear in the back of my truck. This tour is a little different, to say the least! Having a foundation in my faith helps me keep everything in perspective. I look at every day as a blessing, especially being a part of this band. That’s what keeps me going every day.”