MELISSA AUF DER MAUR - SMASHING PUMPKINS' BATTLING BASSISTS

JANE'S ADDICTION rocker ERIC AVERY is competing with MELISSA AUF DER MAUR to play bass in the reformed SMASHING PUMPKINS. Frontman BILLY CORGAN and drummer JIMMY CHAMBERLAIN are officially back on board and auditioning for the third member. Avery has been spotted rehearsing with the rock pair, but Auf Der Maur - who replaced original bassist D'ARCY WRETZKY when she quit in 1999 - wants her place back. The Pumpkins' management tell MTV that Avery "has been rehearsing with (the band) in their pre-production of the new record, but nothing (has been) confirmed in regards to (Avery joining the Pumpkins)".