D’arcy Elizabeth Wretzky, born May 1, 1968, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. She is best known as the former bassist of the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.
Born in South Haven, Michigan, Wretzky started playing bass guitar at the age of 14. In 1987, she met Billy Corgan and James Iha at a concert in Chicago and soon after they formed the Smashing Pumpkins. Wretzky quickly became the band’s bassist and her bass lines helped define the band’s sound.
The Smashing Pumpkins released their debut album Gish in 1991 and soon received critical acclaim. The band’s second album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993, was even more successful, selling over four million copies and earning the band a Grammy nomination. Wretzky continued to play bass and contribute backing vocals on the band’s subsequent albums, including Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995), Adore (1998), and Machina/The Machines of God (2000).
During her time in the Smashing Pumpkins, Wretzky also contributed her bass playing to a number of other artists’ albums, including those of Fountains of Wayne, Eric Matthews, and Brad Wood. In 1999, she released a solo album, entitled I’m In Love With a Girl Named Spike.
In 2000, Wretzky left the Smashing Pumpkins due to creative differences. After her departure, she continued to work as a musician, but mostly as a solo artist. She released the album Menace and Prayer in 2004, and has since released a few more albums. She has also acted in a few films, including a small role in the film A Scanner Darkly (2006).
In recent years, Wretzky has kept a low profile. She has remained active in the music industry, but is no longer the public figure she once was in the Smashing Pumpkins. She continues to be an influence to many musicians, and is remembered as one of the most influential bassists of the 90s.
