James Iha was in a couple of bands before the whole pumpkins scene came along, and was having a couple of gigs here and there, but nothing to steady. He was an excellent guitarist at the time, and was looking for something a little more serious. Then, through a friend, he was told about a guy who was trying to throw together a band, and was in need of a guitarist. The guy turned out to be Billy Corgan, and the needed guitarist in the end turned out to be James. James has his beloved dog "Bugg Superstar" who can be seen on the inside cover of "Gish". James has done some modeling in the past (and as far as I know still does) for I think her name is, Madeline Sui.