On this monumental day during a time in which we all seem to have a lot of space to reflect, we figure it's important to continue to celebrate what we can. Today, the celebration is geared towards The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan as he turns 53 years-young.
Although crucial to the original formation of the alternative band back in 1988, it can go without being said that Corgan and the band have faced an array of challenges over the years.
Despite their unprecedented success following their widely released second album Siamese Dream in 1993, The Smashing Pumpkins were still susceptible to some highly documented downfalls that eventually led to the band’s first breakup in 2000.
Fast-forward twenty years and countless lineup changes later, and three of the four founding members are reunited once again alongside longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder. And as we reflect on a complicated, but immensely successful four decade-long career, it seems wise to celebrate the great Billy Corgan with a look back at a bit of a simpler time for himself and the legendary musicians.
March 17, 1989 — still more than two years away from the release of their first full studio album Gish, The Smashing Pumpkins performed a 7-song set at the Metro in Chicago, Illinois.
With the founding lineup in tow consisting of Billy Corgan (vocals & guitar), D’arcy Wretzky (bass), Jimmy Chamberlin (drums) and James Iha (guitar), the alternative pioneers frequented the Metro throughout 1989. In fact, this exact show kicked off a string of ten total dates at the venue through the end of the year.
Celebrating Corgan’s 22nd birthday at the time, The Smashing Pumpkins threw together a killer setlist featuring covers, singles and tracks, mainly pulling from their first self-titled demo record which would be released just eleven days later.
Playing to a packed and undoubtedly sweaty crowd of under 1000 people, the guys took advantage of the more intimate setting of the still seemingly new venue at the time. Of course, what would appear to be a smaller crowd based on today’s standard for the alternative icons, was likely overwhelming for the recently sprouted band. I guess it’s all relative.
Not surprisingly, The Smashing Pumpkins handled what pressure they may have had like veterans, using their naturally talented performative skills to put on a show that would help to promote their name in their hometown.
Although it's nearly impossible to find footage of the exact show, check out this clip of their full performance at one of the later Metro dates of 1989.
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Opening up with The Velvet Underground cover of “Venus in Furs,” the band would add another cover to the set with Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s “Cinnamon Girl.”
In between the more well-known hits of the time, Corgan and company performed a few original tracks including “East,” “Nothing and Everything” and “Spiteface” off of the upcoming The Smashing Pumpkins demo as well as singles like “Snap” and “My Eternity.”
Fortunately, while reminiscing on old times only further cements the band’s legendary status, we can all let out a sigh of relief as The Smashing Pumpkins recently announced a U.S. spring tour entitled Rock Invasion 2 that is set to open in April. And with previously announced dates as support to Guns N' Roses throughout July, it doesn't seem like the guys are slowing down any time soon.
So, let’s raise a glass of… well probably lots of water right now, in honor of Billy Corgan’s 53rd year of making music that will forever leave its mark on the alternative rock scene. Cheers to the past, present and future possibilities of The Smashing Pumpkins. Happy Birthday Billy Corgan.
To keep up with any pending tour updates, check out The Smashing Pumpkins' official website! And see a full list of 2020 U.S. Rock Invasion 2 dates below!
The Smashing Pumpkins 2020 Rock Invasion 2 Tour Dates:
04/23 – Louisville, KY @ Louisville Palace
04/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe Live
04/26 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
04/28 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
04/29 – East Moline, IL @ The Rust Belt
05/01 – Memphis, TN @ Beale Street Music Festival
05/02 – Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
05/03 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
05/05 – North Charleston, NC @ North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
05/06 – Columbia, SC @ The Township Auditorium
05/08 – Greensboro, NC @ Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
