Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
For the first time Saturday night, James Iha and D’Arcy weren’t the center of attention. The Smashing Pumpkins musicians, acting as emcees, stood together at the mike, preparing to welcome the evening’s headliner at Metro. Before they could finish their introduction, however, the Frogs walked onstage, dressed in their typically flamboyant costumes.
The Smashing Pumpkins will head to Europe on Wednesday for a two-week tour of festival shows. But before they pack their bags, bassist D’Arcy and guitarist James Iha – half of the Chicago-based group – will co-host a Saturday night showcase for Scratchie Records, the label they helped create.
Got the itch to party? The place to be on Saturday is the Metro, where Scratchie Records will host its Christmas party. Fulflej, Chainsaw Kittens, Fountains of Wayne and Kid Million are the headliners, but the evening’s hosts are pretty fabulous, too. The Smashing Pumpkins’ James Iha and D’Arcy Wretzky-Brown – who goes by D’Arcy – are co-owners of the Chicago-based record label and likely will jam with their friends.