A brief press released issued by Virgin Records Thursday (9/9) confirmed rampant rumors that Smashing Pumpkins [ tickets ] bassist D'Arcy Wretzky has left the band, but didn't reveal the reason for her departure.

''D'Arcy has left The Smashing Pumpkins,'' said the statement said. ''The band's new album is finished, and will be released on February 15, 2000 by Virgin Records. The Smashing Pumpkins will continue as a band and will tour in support of the new record.''

The new album was produced by Flood, who also worked with the Pumpkins on the multi-platinum double CD ''Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.''

D'Arcy's departure comes on the heels of the return of drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who performed with the Pumpkins on their spring 1999 tour and plays on the new album. Chamberlin was fired from the band because of his drug problems, which spilled over into after-show partying which ultimately claimed the life of touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin in the middle of the ''Melon Collie'' tour in 1996.

D'Arcy runs Chicago indie label Scratchie Records with former bandmate James Iha and Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger. She's rumored to be working on a solo album.