Waiting for System Of A Down to get back together? Better not. Last week, Billy Corgan checked out a dozen drummers to join The Smashing Pumpins, and SOAD's John Dolmayan (last seen in Scars On Broadway) was one of the candidates.

A message from Corgan on The Smashing Pumpkins' website reads: "In total, 12 drummers were auditioned [in Los Angeles] on Tuesday. An additional tryout could potentially be held in May due to such overwhelming response to the audition process."

"A very positive experience"
"Overall, the drumming auditions were considered a very positive experience," Corgan continues. "The talent in all the drummers that tried out was incredible. Some of the candidates include John Dolmayan of SYSTEM OF A DOWN and Frank Lenz, a past bandmate of guitarist Jeff Schroeder from THE LASSIE FOUNDATION."

The auditions - part of Corgan's plan to rebuild The Smashing Pumpkins from the ground up - were the result of founding member Jimmy Chamberlin's decision to leave the band.

Chamberlin called his departure "a positive move forward," adding, "I can no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don't fully possess. I won't pretend I'm into something I'm not. I won't do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can't just 'cash the check,' so to speak."

No "bad blood," says Chamberlin
Chamberlin added that there was "no drama" or "bad blood" between him and Corgan and that he will concentrate on playing music with his own group, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.

It would be interesting to hear what Corgan and Dolmayan could do together. But the fact that Billy hasn't yet named him the drummer means one thing: you've still got a shot!