Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has described his recent departure from The Smashing Pumpkins as a “positive move”.

Chamberlin, the group's only remaining original member alongside singer Billy Corgan, quit last week.

Writing on his blog, the drummer said he was no longer willing to “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,” he added.

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.

In a candid message to fans, the drummer described music as “my life” and said it “deserves the highest commitment at every level”.

He continued: “I’m sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music.

“My best goes out to Billy and I’m glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right.”

Chamberlin added that he would continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.

In a statement last week, Corgan said he would "continue to write and record as Smashing Pumpkins" and was scheduled to return to the studio this spring.

(by Jason Gregory)