Who Is James Iha? Age, Biography and Wiki
James Iha, born on March 26, 1968, is an acclaimed American rock musician and guitarist, best known for his role as a founding member of the influential alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. As of 2025, he is 57 years old. Iha has carved a niche for himself in the music industry, with a career spanning several decades that includes notable collaborations and solo projects. His innovative guitar work and songwriting have contributed significantly to the band's distinctive sound, making him a respected figure in the rock music scene.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1968 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
James Iha's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
James Iha maintains a charismatic stage presence, standing tall at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighing around 150 lbs (68 kg). His presence is complemented by his lean physique, which has often drawn attention in the entertainment industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, James Iha is reportedly in a committed relationship, although he prefers to keep his personal life private. He had previously dated several notable figures, including actress Fiona Apple and musician Vanessa Carlton. Details about his current boyfriend or girlfriend are limited, as Iha values his privacy, steering clear of the media spotlight when it comes to his romantic life.
Iha later became romantically involved with the band's bassist D'arcy Wretzky, but the couple broke up just prior to the band's performance at the Reading Festival in 1992. After a brief feud between the two, Iha sustained a friendly and close relationship with Wretzky, citing her as a best friend.
Iha wrote and sang a number of Smashing Pumpkins' songs, such as: "Blew Away" on Pisces Iscariot, "Bugg Superstar" on Vieuphoria, "Take Me Down" on Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, "...Said Sadly", "Believe", "The Boy", and "The Bells" on The Aeroplane Flies High, "Summer" on the "Perfect" single and "Go" on Machina II/The Friends & Enemies
of Modern Music.
He co-wrote with Billy Corgan "I Am One" on Gish, "Soma" and "Mayonaise" on Siamese Dream, "Plume" on Pisces Iscariot and "Farewell and Goodnight" on Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. He sang the band's covers of the Cure's "A Night Like This" and Syd Barrett's "Terrapin".
During his time with the Pumpkins, Iha recorded with other bands, including Ivy, to which Adam Schlesinger contributed, and Swedish New Wave band the Sounds.
Net Worth and Salary
James Iha’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million in 2025. His earnings come from a combination of music sales, tours, merchandise, and various musical projects. His successful career with The Smashing Pumpkins, alongside his ventures in the music industry as a producer and collaborator, has contributed to his substantial wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Iha's career began in the early '90s with The Smashing Pumpkins, where he played guitar, sang backup vocals, and contributed to songwriting. After the band’s initial disbandment in 2000, he explored solo ventures and collaborated with other artists, checking off accomplishments by producing albums and engaging in various side projects. In recent years, he has returned to the fold of The Smashing Pumpkins as they continue to release music and tour internationally.
In addition to his music career, Iha has shown interest in various business ventures, including involvement in music production and partnerships with rising indie artists, enhancing his portfolio and influence in the music landscape.
James Yoshinobu Iha (伊葉吉伸) (born March 26, 1968) is an American rock musician. He is best known as a guitarist and co-founder of the alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. He was a member until the band's initial breakup in 2000 and rejoined in 2018.
Social Network
James Iha is relatively active on social media, especially on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his music career, personal reflections, and interactions with fans. His social media presence allows him to connect with fans while maintaining a relatively low profile regarding his personal life.
In August 2010, members of A Perfect Circle posted messages to their Twitter accounts telling fans of their return after a 6-year long hiatus. The band later announced tour dates in which they would be playing the entirety of each of their three albums at each concert, with one album being played per night.
It was announced that the lineup would consist of Maynard James Keenan, Billy Howerdel, Josh Freese, Matt McJunkins, and Iha. Iha's second solo album titled Look to the Sky was released in March 2012.
To begin its promotion, Iha performed at the 2nd EMI ROCKS festival in Saitama, Japan in February 2012, and later in December that year performing a small European tour in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Lisbon.
Education
James Iha attended the prestigious Marist High School in Chicago and later pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His educational background has provided him with a unique perspective on creativity and collaboration within his music endeavors.
In conclusion, James Iha remains a significant figure in the rock music genre as he continues to evolve as an artist. With his solid reputation and dedication to music, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for him in 2025 and beyond.
He attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, which he described as "a boring, middle-class suburb of Chicago." Iha received average grades in high school, and, after a successful two-year stint at a local junior college, he majored in graphic design at Loyola University Chicago before dropping out to dedicate himself to the Smashing Pumpkins.
