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The Smashing Pumpkins
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The Smashing Pumpkins (also simply known as Smashing Pumpkins)[note 1] are an American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in 1988 by frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The band has undergone several line-up changes since their reunion in 2006, with Corgan being the primary songwriter and sole constant member since its inception. The current lineup consists of Corgan, Iha, and Chamberlin. The band is known for its diverse, densely layered sound, which evolved throughout their career and has integrated elements of gothic rock, heavy metal, grunge, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and electronica.

Key Information

The band's debut album, Gish (1991), was well-received by critics and became an underground success. In the advent of alternative rock's mainstream breakthrough, their second album, Siamese Dream (1993), established the band's popularity. Despite a tumultuous recording process, the album received widespread acclaim and has been lauded as one of the best albums in the genre. Their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995), furthered the band's popularity; it debuted atop the Billboard 200, received a Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and continued the band's critical success. After the release of Adore (1998) and a two-part project in 2000—Machina and Machina II—the group disbanded due to internal conflicts, drug use, and diminishing sales by the end of the 1990s. With 30 million albums sold worldwide, the Smashing Pumpkins were among the most critically and commercially successful bands of the 1990s, and an important act in the popularization of alternative rock.

In 2006, Corgan and Chamberlin reconvened to record the band's seventh album, Zeitgeist. After touring throughout 2007 and 2008 with a lineup including new guitarist Jeff Schroeder, Chamberlin left the band in early 2009. Later that year, Corgan began a new recording series with a rotating lineup of musicians entitled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, which encompassed stand-alone singles, EP releases, and two full albums that also fell under the project's scope—Oceania in 2012 and Monuments to an Elegy in 2014. Chamberlin became a touring member in 2015, before officially rejoining with Iha in 2018. The reunited lineup then released the albums Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018) and Cyr (2020), in addition to Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts across three increments between 2022 and 2023. Schroeder departed from the band in October 2023. Following Schroeder's departure, the band's remaining members released Aghori Mhori Mei (2024).

History

[edit]

Early years: 1988–1991

[edit]
Vocalist Billy Corgan in 1992

After the breakup of his gothic rock and metal band the Marked, singer and guitarist Billy Corgan left St. Petersburg, Florida and returned to his native city of Chicago, where he took a job in a record store and had the idea to start a band called the Smashing Pumpkins.[2][3] While working at the store he met guitarist James Iha. Adorning themselves with paisley and other psychedelic trappings, the two began writing songs (with the aid of a drum machine) which were heavily influenced by the Cure and New Order.[4] The duo performed live for the first time on July 9, 1988, at the Polish bar Chicago 21.[5] This performance included only Corgan on bass and Iha on guitar[6] with a drum machine.[7] Shortly thereafter, Corgan met D'arcy Wretzky after a show by the Dan Reed Network where they argued the merits of a band. After finding out that Wretzky played bass guitar, Corgan got her to join the band and the trio played a show at the Avalon Nightclub.[8][9] After the show, Cabaret Metro owner Joe Shanahan agreed to book the band on the condition that they replace the drum machine with a live drummer.[10]

Jazz drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was recommended by a friend of Corgan's.[9] Chamberlin knew little of alternative music and immediately changed the sound of the nascent band. As Corgan recalled of the period, "We were completely into the sad-rock, Cure kind of thing. It took about two or three practices before I realized that the power in his playing was something that enabled us to rock harder than we could ever have imagined."[4] On October 5, 1988, the complete band took the stage for the first time at the Cabaret Metro.[9]

"Rhinoceros"
Sample of "Rhinoceros," taken from the band's debut album Gish (1991) and also featured on the Lull EP (1991).
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In 1989, the Smashing Pumpkins made their first appearance on record with the compilation album Light Into Dark, which featured several Chicago alternative bands. The group released its first single, "I Am One", in 1990 on the local Chicago label Limited Potential. The single sold out and they released a follow-up, "Tristessa", on Sub Pop; then they signed to Caroline Records.[11] The band recorded their 1991 debut studio album Gish with producer Butch Vig at his Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, for $20,000.[12] In order to gain the consistency he desired, Corgan often played all instruments excluding drums, which created tension in the band. The music fused heavy metal guitars, psychedelia, and dream pop, garnering them comparisons to Jane's Addiction.[13] Gish became a minor success, with the single "Rhinoceros" receiving some airplay on modern rock radio. After releasing the Lull EP in October 1991 on Caroline Records, the band formally signed with Virgin Records, which was affiliated with Caroline.[11] The band supported the album with a tour that included opening for bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, and Guns N' Roses. During the tour, Iha and Wretzky went through a messy breakup, Chamberlin became addicted to narcotics and alcohol, and Corgan entered a deep depression,[14] writing some songs for the upcoming album in the parking garage where he lived at the time.[15]

Mainstream breakout and Siamese Dream: 1992–1994

[edit]

With the breakthrough of alternative rock into the American mainstream due to the popularity of grunge bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins were poised for major commercial success. At this time, the Smashing Pumpkins were routinely lumped in with the grunge movement, with Corgan protesting, "We've graduated now from 'the next Jane's Addiction' to 'the next Nirvana', now we're 'the next Pearl Jam'."[16]

Guitarist James Iha in 1995

Amid this environment of intense internal pressure for the band to break through to widespread popularity, the band relocated to Marietta, Georgia, in late 1992 to begin work on their second album, with Butch Vig returning as producer.[4] The decision to record so far away from their hometown was motivated partly by the band's desire to avoid friends and distractions during the recording, but largely as a desperate attempt to cut Chamberlin off from his known drug connections.[4] The recording environment for Siamese Dream was quickly marred by discord within the band. As was the case with Gish, Corgan and Vig decided that Corgan should play nearly all of the guitar and bass parts on the album, contributing to an air of resentment.[17][18] The contemporary music press began to portray Corgan as a tyrant.[19] Corgan's depression, meanwhile, had deepened to the point where he contemplated suicide, and he compensated by practically living in the studio.[20] Meanwhile, Chamberlin quickly managed to find new connections and was often absent without any contact for days at a time.[4] In all, it took over four months to complete the record, with the budget exceeding $250,000.[17]

Despite all the problems in its recording, Siamese Dream became the band's mainstream breakthrough, peaking at number ten on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over four million copies in the U.S. alone.[21][22] Alongside the band's mounting mainstream recognition, the band's reputation as careerists among their former peers in the independent music community was worsened.[7] Indie rock band Pavement's 1994 song "Range Life" directly mocks the band in its lyrics, although Stephen Malkmus, lead singer of Pavement, has stated, "I never dissed their music. I just dissed their status."[23] Former Hüsker Dü frontman Bob Mould called them "the grunge Monkees",[4] and fellow Chicago musician/producer Steve Albini wrote a scathing letter in response to an article praising the band, derisively comparing them to REO Speedwagon ("by, of and for the mainstream") and concluding their ultimate insignificance.[24][25] Fred Armisen said the band simply "flew past us" in the 90s Chicago music scene after his own band Trenchmouth had produced five albums.[26] The opening track and lead single of Siamese Dream, "Cherub Rock", directly addresses Corgan's feud with the "indie-world".[27] In spite of the backlash, Siamese Dream is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of the alternative rock genre,[28][29] and one of the best albums of the 1990s.[30][31]

In 1994 Virgin released the B-sides/rarities compilation Pisces Iscariot which charted higher than Siamese Dream by reaching number four on the Billboard 200.[32] Also released was a VHS cassette titled Vieuphoria featuring a mix of live performances and behind-the-scenes footage. For Christmas 1994 Corgan gave ten copies of an informally self-released five-CD box set, Mashed Potatoes, to close friends of the band. It contained early demos, interview snippets and live recordings dating from 1988 to 1993. Music journalist Ned Raggett called it "the holy grail of Smashing Pumpkins collectibles for the hardcore fanatic". It became available online in the early 2000s.[33]

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness: 1995–1997

[edit]
Billy Corgan is depicted from a worm's eye view as he sings into a microphone. He is wearing one of his black "ZERO" T-shirts with lettering and a five-pointed star in reflective silver.
Corgan performing at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island in January 1997, featuring a shaved head and his iconic "Zero" shirt.

During 1995, Corgan wrote about 56 songs,[34] following which the band went into the studio with producers Flood and Alan Moulder to work on what Corgan described as "The Wall for Generation X",[35] and which became Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, a double album of twenty-eight songs, lasting over two hours (the vinyl version of the album contained three records, two extra songs, and an alternate track listing). The songs were intended to hang together conceptually as a symbol of the cycle of life and death.[7] Praised by Time as "the group's most ambitious and accomplished work yet",[36] Mellon Collie debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in October 1995.[37] Even more successful than Siamese Dream, it was certified ten times platinum in the United States[38] and became the best-selling double album of the decade.[39] It also garnered seven 1997 Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year. The band won only the Best Hard Rock Performance award, for the album's lead single "Bullet with Butterfly Wings". The album spawned five singles—"Bullet with Butterfly Wings", "1979", "Zero", "Tonight, Tonight" which Corgan stated was inspired by the Cheap Trick song "I'll Be with You Tonight",[40] and "Thirty-Three"—of which the first three were certified gold and all but "Zero" entered the Top 40. Many of the songs that did not make it onto Mellon Collie were released as B-sides to the singles, and were later compiled in The Aeroplane Flies High box set. The set was originally limited to 200,000 copies, but more were produced to meet demand.[41]

In 1996 the Pumpkins undertook an extended world tour in support of Mellon Collie. Corgan's look during this period—a shaved head, a long-sleeve black shirt with the word "Zero" printed on it, and silver pants—became iconic.[42] That year, the band also made a guest appearance in an episode of The Simpsons, "Homerpalooza". With considerable video rotation on MTV, major industry awards, and "Zero" shirts selling in many malls, the Pumpkins were considered one of the most popular bands of the time.[43][44]

In May, the Smashing Pumpkins played a gig at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. Despite the band's repeated requests for moshing to stop, a seventeen-year-old fan named Bernadette O'Brien was crushed to death. The concert ended early and the following night's performance in Belfast was cancelled out of respect for her.[45] However, while Corgan maintained that moshing's "time [had] come and gone", the band would continue to request open-floor concerts throughout the rest of the tour.[46]

The band suffered a personal tragedy on the night of July 11, 1996, when touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin and Chamberlin overdosed on heroin in a hotel room in New York City. Melvoin died, and Chamberlin was arrested for drug possession. A few days later, the band announced that Chamberlin had been fired as a result of the incident.[47] The Pumpkins chose to finish the tour, and hired drummer Matt Walker and keyboardist Dennis Flemion. Corgan later said the decision to continue touring was the worst decision the band had ever made, damaging both their music and their reputation.[4] Chamberlin admitted in a 1994 Rolling Stone cover story that in the past he'd "gotten high in every city in this country and probably half the cities in Europe." But in recent years, he had reportedly been clean. On July 17, the Pumpkins issued a statement in which they said, "For nine years we have battled with Jimmy's struggles with the insidious disease of drug and alcohol addiction. It has nearly destroyed everything we are and stand for. … We wish [him] the best we have to offer".[48] Meanwhile, the band had given interviews since the release of Mellon Collie stating that it would be the last conventional Pumpkins record,[49] and that rock was becoming stale. James Iha said at the end of 1996, "The future is in electronic music. It really seems boring just to play rock music."[50]

Adore, Machina, and breakup: 1998–2000

[edit]
Original bassist D'arcy Wretzky in 1998

After the release of Mellon Collie, the Pumpkins contributed many songs to various compilations. Released in early 1997, the song "Eye", which appeared on the soundtrack to David Lynch's Lost Highway, relied almost exclusively on electronic instruments and signaled a drastic shift from the Pumpkins' previous musical styles. At the time, Corgan stated his "idea [was] to reconfigure the focus and get away from the classic guitars-bass-drum rock format."[51] Later that year, the group contributed "The End Is the Beginning Is the End" to the soundtrack for the film Batman & Robin. With Matt Walker on drums, the song featured a heavy sound similar to "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" while still having strong electronic influences. The song later won the 1998 Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. Though Corgan announced that the song represented the sound people could expect from the band in the future,[52] the band's next album would feature few guitar-driven songs.

Recorded following the death of Corgan's mother and his divorce, 1998's Adore represented a significant change of style from the Pumpkins' previous guitar-based rock, veering into electronica. The record, cut with assistance from drum machines and studio drummers including Matt Walker, was infused with a darker aesthetic than much of the band's earlier work. The group also modified its public image, shedding its alternative rock look for a more subdued appearance. Although Adore received favorable reviews and was nominated for Best Alternative Performance at the Grammy Awards, the album had only sold about 830,000 copies in the United States by the end of the year.[53] The album nonetheless debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200[54] and sold three times as many copies overseas.[4] The band began a seventeen-date, fifteen-city charity North American tour in support of Adore. At each stop on the tour, the band donated 100 percent of ticket sales to a local charity organization. The tour's expenses were entirely funded out of the band's own pockets. All told, the band donated over $2.8 million to charity as a result of the tour.[55] On October 31, 1998, during Halloween, the band opened for Kiss at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, dressed in costume as the Beatles.[56]

Departure of Wretzky

[edit]
Bassist Melissa Auf der Maur joined after Wretzky's departure in 1999

In 1999 the band surprised fans by reuniting with a rehabilitated Jimmy Chamberlin for a brief tour dubbed "The Arising", which showcased both new and classic material. The lineup was short-lived, however, as the band announced the departure of Wretzky in September during work on the album Machina/The Machines of God, and the band was subsequently dropped by Sharon Osbourne Management.[57][58] Former Hole bassist Melissa Auf der Maur was recruited for the "Sacred and Profane" tour in support of the album and appeared in the videos accompanying its release. Released in 2000, Machina was initially promoted as the Pumpkins' return to a more traditional rock sound, after the more gothic, electronic-sounding Adore.[59] The album debuted at number three on the Billboard charts,[60] but quickly disappeared and as of 2007 had only been certified gold.[61][62] Music journalist Jim DeRogatis, who described the album as "one of the strongest of their career", noted that the stalled sales for Machina in comparison to teen pop ascendant at the time "seems like concrete proof that a new wave of young pop fans has turned a deaf ear toward alternative rock."[63]

On May 23, 2000, in a live radio interview on KROQ-FM (Los Angeles), Billy Corgan announced the band's decision to break up at the end of that year following additional touring and recording.[59] The group's final album before the break-up, Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, was released in September 2000 in a limited pressing on vinyl with permission and instructions for free redistribution on the Internet by fans. Only twenty-five copies were cut, each of which was hand numbered and given to friends of the band along with band members themselves. The album, released under the Constantinople Records label created by Corgan, consisted of one double LP and three ten-inch EPs.[64] Originally, the band asked Virgin to offer Machina II as a free download to anyone who bought Machina. When the record label declined, Corgan opted to release the material independently.[65]

On December 2, 2000, Smashing Pumpkins played a farewell concert at The Metro, the same Chicago club where their career had effectively started twelve years earlier. The four-and-a-half-hour-long show featured 35 songs spanning the group's career, and attendees were given a recording of the band's first concert at The Metro, Live at Cabaret Metro 10-5-88.[65] The single "Untitled" was released commercially to coincide with the farewell show.

Post-breakup: 2001–2004

[edit]

In 2001 the compilation Rotten Apples was released. The double-disc version of the album, released as a limited edition, included a collection of B-sides and rarities called Judas O. The Greatest Hits Video Collection DVD was also released at the same time. This was a compilation of all of the Pumpkins promo videos from Gish to Machina along with unreleased material.[66] Vieuphoria was released on DVD in 2002, as was the soundtrack album Earphoria, previously released solely to radio stations in 1994.

Original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin in 2014

Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin reunited in 2001 as members of Corgan's next project, the short-lived supergroup Zwan. The group's only album, Mary Star of the Sea, was released in 2003. After cancelling a few festival appearances, Corgan announced the demise of the band in 2003. During 2001 Corgan also toured as part of New Order and provided vocals on their comeback album Get Ready. In October 2004 Corgan released his first book, Blinking with Fists, a collection of poetry. In June 2005, he released a solo album, TheFutureEmbrace, which he described as "(picking) up the thread of the as-yet-unfinished work of the Smashing Pumpkins".[67] Despite this, it was greeted with generally mixed reviews and lackluster sales. Only one single, "Walking Shade", was released in support of the album.

In addition to drumming with Zwan, Jimmy Chamberlin also formed an alternative rock/jazz fusion project band called Jimmy Chamberlin Complex. The group released an album in 2005 titled Life Begins Again. Corgan provided guest vocals on the track "Lokicat". James Iha served as a guitarist in A Perfect Circle, appearing on their Thirteenth Step club tour and 2004 album, eMOTIVe. He has also been involved with other acts such as Chino Moreno's Team Sleep and Vanessa and the O's. He continues to work with Scratchie Records, his own record label, as well. D'arcy Wretzky has, aside from one radio interview in 2009, not made any public statements or appearances nor given any interviews since leaving the band in 1999. On January 25, 2000, she was arrested after she allegedly purchased three bags of cocaine, but after successfully completing a court-ordered drug education program, the charges were dropped.[68]

Corgan insisted during this period that the band would not reform, although when Zwan broke up he announced, "I think my heart was in Smashing Pumpkins [...] I think it was naive of me to think that I could find something that would mean as much to me."[69] Corgan said in 2005, "I never wanted to leave the Smashing Pumpkins. That was never the plan."[70] On February 17, 2004, Corgan posted a message on his personal blog calling Wretzky a "mean-spirited drug addict" and blaming Iha for the breakup of the Smashing Pumpkins.[71] On June 3, 2004, he added that "the depth of my hurt [from Iha] is only matched with the depth of my gratitude".[72] Iha responded to Corgan's claims in 2005, saying, "No, I didn't break up the band. The only person who could have done that is Billy."[73]

Reformation and Zeitgeist: 2005–2008

[edit]
The Smashing Pumpkins on May 22, 2007, at Le Grand Rex, Paris; the band's first show since their break up; left to right: Billy Corgan (front) and Jimmy Chamberlin (back)

On June 21, 2005, the day of the release of his first solo album TheFutureEmbrace, Corgan took out full-page advertisements in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times to announce that he planned to reunite the band. "For a year now", Corgan wrote, "I have walked around with a secret, a secret I chose to keep. But now I want you to be among the first to know that I have made plans to renew and revive the Smashing Pumpkins. I want my band back, and my songs, and my dreams".[67] Corgan and Chamberlin were verified as participants in the reunion, but there was question as to whether other former members of the band would participate.[74][75][76]

In April 2007 Iha and Auf der Maur separately confirmed that they were not taking part in the reunion.[77][78] Chamberlin would later state that Iha and Wretzky "didn't want to be a part of" the reunion.[79] The Smashing Pumpkins performed live for the first time since 2000 on May 22, 2007, in Paris, France. There, the band unveiled new touring members: guitarist Jeff Schroeder, bassist Ginger Reyes, and keyboardist Lisa Harriton.[80] That same month, "Tarantula" was released as the first single from the band's forthcoming album. On July 7, the band performed at the Live Earth concert in New Jersey.[81]

Guitarist Jeff Schroeder joined the band in 2007

The band's new album, Zeitgeist, was released that same month on Reprise Records, entering the Billboard charts at number two and selling 145,000 copies in its first week.[82] Zeitgeist received mixed reviews, with much of the criticism targeted at the absence of half of the original lineup. The album divided the Pumpkins' fanbase. Corgan would later admit, "I know a lot of our fans are puzzled by Zeitgeist. I think they wanted this massive, grandiose work, but you don't just roll out of bed after seven years without a functioning band and go back to doing that".

Corgan and Chamberlin continued to record as a duo, releasing the four-song EP American Gothic in January 2008 and the singles "Superchrist" and "G.L.O.W." later that year.[83] That November, the group released the DVD If All Goes Wrong, which chronicled the group's 2007 concert residences in Asheville, North Carolina and San Francisco, California. In late 2008, the band commenced on a controversy-riddled 20th Anniversary Tour. Around this time, Corgan said the group will make no more full-length records in order to focus exclusively on singles, explaining, "The listening patterns have changed, so why are we killing ourselves to do albums, to create balance, and do the arty track to set up the single? It's done."[84]

Teargarden and Oceania: 2009–2013

[edit]
Drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino joined the band in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and both left in 2014

In March 2009 Corgan announced on the band's website that Chamberlin had left the group and would be replaced.[85] Chamberlin subsequently stated that his departure from the band was "a positive move forward for me. I can no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don't fully possess."[86] Chamberlin stressed that the split was amicable, commenting, "I am glad [Corgan] has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right."[87]

Chamberlin soon formed the band Skysaw, which released an album and toured in support of Minus the Bear.[88] In July 2009, Corgan formed a new group called Spirits in the Sky, initially as a tribute band to Sky Saxon of the Seeds, who had recently died. The following month, Corgan confirmed on the band's website that 19-year-old Spirits in the Sky drummer Mike Byrne had replaced Chamberlin and that the pair were working on new Pumpkins recordings.[89]

The group announced plans to release a 44-track concept album, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, for free over the Internet one track at a time.[90] The first track, "A Song for a Son", was released in December 2009 to moderate press acclaim.[91][92] In March 2010 Ginger Reyes officially left the band, prompting an open call for auditions for a new bassist.[93] That month also saw the first EP, Vol. 1: Songs for a Sailor, released from the project as a box set. In May, Nicole Fiorentino announced she had joined the band as bass player, and would be working on Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.[94] The new lineup went on a world tour through to the end of 2010.[95] One of the first shows with the new lineup was a concert to benefit Matthew Leone, bassist for the rock band Madina Lake, at the Metro on July 27, 2010. In late 2010 the second EP, Vol. 2: The Solstice Bare, was released as another box set, and all four members contributed to the sessions for the third volume of Teargarden, which was ultimately canceled after the completion of two stand-alone songs.[96][97]

On April 26, 2011, Corgan announced that the Smashing Pumpkins would be releasing a new album titled Oceania, which he labeled as "an album within an album" in regards to the Teargarden by Kaleidyscope project, in the fall.[98][99] As with the previous recording sessions, all four band members contributed to the project.[100] Also, the entire album catalog was to be remastered and reissued with bonus tracks, starting with Gish and Siamese Dream in November 2011.[98] The pre-Gish demos, Pisces Iscariot, and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness were released in 2012, with The Aeroplane Flies High released the following year. Adore was released in 2014. Machina/The Machines of God and the yet commercially unreleased Machina II/Friends and Enemies of Modern Music were expected to be combined, remixed, and released in the same year but were not released due to label hang-ups. The band did a thirteen-city US tour in October 2011 followed by a European tour in November and December.[101]

2012 line-up (left to right): Nicole Fiorentino, Billy Corgan, and Jeff Schroeder (Mike Byrne is obscured at the drums) performing at Chaifetz Arena in St Louis, Missouri, on October 18, 2012

Oceania was released on June 19, 2012, and received generally positive reviews. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Independent. The album spawned two singles, "The Celestials" and "Panopticon". The band proceeded to tour in support of the album, including a US tour involving playing the album in its entirety. By September 2012, Corgan stated that the band had already begun work on their next album.[102] However, despite this, the band concentrated on touring, playing at Glastonbury Festival, Dour Festival and the Barclays Center, where they recorded Oceania: Live in NYC, which was released on September 24, 2013.[103]

Monuments to an Elegy: 2014–2016

[edit]

On March 25, 2014, Corgan announced he had signed a new record deal with BMG, for two new albums, titled Monuments to an Elegy and Day for Night, respectively.[104] In June, it was revealed that Mike Byrne was no longer in the band, to be replaced by Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe on the new album, and Fiorentino would not be recording on the album either.[105][106] Monuments to an Elegy was released on December 5, 2014, to generally positive reviews. The band toured in support of the album starting on November 26, with Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk filling in on drums and the Killers' Mark Stoermer filling in on bass.[107] The follow-up proposed album Day For Night was cited for delayed late 2015 or early 2016 release.[108]

Later in 2015 Corgan announced that the band would embark on a co-headlining tour of North America with Marilyn Manson, "The End Times Tour", across July and August 2015.[109][110] Prior to the co-headlining dates, the band performed a series of acoustic shows with drum machines and tapes for percussion. When the time came for the co-headlining tour, plans for a drummer fell through and Corgan recruited Chamberlin to reunite for the shows.[111] On February 25, 2016, Corgan posted a video from a Los Angeles studio on the band's Facebook account, giving an update on the writing process for the new songs for the upcoming album to be released after the In Plainsong tour.[112] The tour began in Portland, Oregon, on March 22, 2016.[113]

Iha and Chamberlin's return; Shiny and Oh So Bright and Cyr: 2018–2021

[edit]

On his birthday on March 26, 2016, original guitarist James Iha joined Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and Jeff Schroeder on stage unannounced at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. He performed a few songs, including "Mayonaise", "Soma" and "Today" marking his first appearance with the Smashing Pumpkins in 16 years.[114] Iha also played at the second of the two Smashing Pumpkins shows at the Ace Hotel the following day, which was Easter Sunday. Iha joined the Pumpkins for a third time at their concert of April 14 at the Civic Opera House in Chicago.[115] In July, Corgan began hinting of the possibility of reuniting the band original lineup, of himself, Iha, Wretzky, and Chamberlin,[116] and in August, he stated he had begun reaching out to the original lineup about the feasibility of a reunion, including speaking to Wretzky for the first time in sixteen years.[117] Despite the comments, Corgan would spend much of 2017 working on solo material – recording and releasing the solo album Ogilala and beginning work on another solo album for 2018.[118] In June 2017 Chamberlin also mentioned the possibility of a reunion tour in 2018.[119] In January 2018 Corgan shared a photo of himself, Iha, and Chamberlin together in recording studio.[120] In February 2018 Corgan announced that he was working with music producer Rick Rubin on a future Smashing Pumpkins album, that there were currently 26 songs he was actively working on, and that "the guitar feels once again like the preferred weapon of choice."[121] Soon afterwards, Corgan shared a photo of sound equipment with Iha's name on a label, as well as announcing recording was finished on the album.[122]

On February 15, 2018, founding members Iha and Chamberlin rejoined the band. They embarked on the Shiny And Oh So Bright Tour starting in July, with a focus on performing material from their first five studio albums.[123][124] and sold over 350,000 tickets and sold-out arenas including The Forum, United Center, and Madison Square Garden. Original bassist D'arcy Wretzky claimed she had been offered a contract to rejoin the band but Corgan rescinded the offer soon after.[125] Corgan released a statement denying the claims, stating "Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred".[126] Jack Bates (son of Joy Division bassist Peter Hook) played bass on the tour. Bates previously toured with the Smashing Pumpkins in 2015.[127][128] Multi-instrumentalist Katie Cole rejoined the band for the tour as well, singing backup vocals and playing keyboards and guitar.[129]

In March 2018, Corgan mentioned the band planned to release two EPs in 2018, with the first tentatively planned for May.[130] On June 8, 2018, the first single from the set of music, "Solara", was released.[131] On August 2, 2018, the band celebrated their 30th anniversary by performing in Holmdel, New Jersey. with several notable special guests including Courtney Love, Chino Moreno, Davey Havok, Peter Hook, Mark McGrath, and Dave Keuning and Mark Stoermer of the Killers.[132][133] In September 2018, they announced the album Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun., released via Napalm Records on November 16, 2018, which debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200 chart.[134][135]

The Smashing Pumpkins performing at Rock am Ring in 2019

After touring through much of 2019, Corgan noted in January 2020 that the band was currently working on 21 songs for a future album release.[136] On August 28, 2020, the band released the single and video for "Cyr", along with a second track titled "The Colour of Love" from their album Cyr, which was released through their new record label Sumerian Records on November 27, 2020. It serves as the second part of the Shiny and Oh So Bright series.[137][138][139] On September 25, 2020, the band released another single from Cyr that included the songs "Confessions of a Dopamine Addict" and "Wrath".[140] On October 9, 2020, the band released a third single for Cyr that featured the tracks "Anno Satana" and "Birch Grove". On October 29, the band released "Ramona" and "Wyttch" as the fourth pair of singles.[141][142] On November 20, 2020, the songs "Purple Blood" and "Dulcet in E" were released as the fifth and final single for Cyr.[143] The following week, on November 27, 2020, the band released Cyr.[144]

Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts and Aghori Mhori Mei: 2022–present

[edit]

In late 2020, Corgan announced that the band had begun work on a double album to serve as a sequel to the overarching story of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Machina: The Machines of God.[145] The album was planned for release in 2021, however it wasn't until September 19, 2022, that the album's title, Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts, was revealed. Each act was released on its own, with the dates in order being November 15, 2022, January 31, 2023, and May 5, 2023. All of the acts, along with ten extra songs, were compiled into a vinyl box set that was released the same day as the third grouping of songs.[146] On February 22, 2022, the band announced on social media the Rock Invasion 2 Tour, which had previously been set to take place in spring 2020, postponed to fall 2020, and subsequently canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The newly announced incarnation of the tour had entirely new locations spanning eleven US cities accompanying the band's spring festival appearances, and four performances in Mexico, their first since 2013.[147][148][149]

In May 2022, the band announced plans for the Spirits on Fire tour with Jane's Addiction.[150] In November 2022, The World is A Vampire Festival was announced for March 2023. The festival's lineup included Interpol, Turnstile, Peter Hook & The Light, Deafheaven, the Warning, and several others.[151][152] In February 2023, the band announced that they would be bringing The World Is A Vampire Festival to Australia as a 10-date tour during the month of April. The lineup featured Jane's Addiction, Amyl & The Sniffers, Redhook, and Battlesnake, in addition to the wrestling matches similar to the singular date in Mexico.[153] In between the band's time in Mexico and Australia, they announced on March 28, 2023, that they would bring The World Is A Vampire to the United States and Canada as a summer tour across amphitheaters, indoor theaters, and one arena. The tour featured support from Stone Temple Pilots, Interpol, and Rival Sons, as well as select appearances by Corgan's National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) wrestlers along with tapings for NWA Powerrr.[154]

Kiki Wong with the Smashing Pumpkins, part of the Saviors Tour with Green Day in 2024.

On October 19, 2023, Green Day played a small club show and handed out physical flyers that revealed in 2024 they would be touring the United States and Canada in stadiums with the Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and the Linda Lindas.[155] This tour was officially announced by all four bands on November 2, 2023, as The Saviors Tour.[156] On October 24, 2023, it was announced in a statement posted on the band's social media that longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder had decided to leave the band "to explore a slightly different path".[157]

Following Schroeder's departure, on January 5, 2024, Smashing Pumpkins announced via their social media channels that they were accepting applications via email for an additional guitarist.[158] By January 17, the band had received over 10,000 submissions and employed eight people full-time to review each one.[159] On April 26, the band announced that they had chosen Kiki Wong as their new touring guitarist, with Billy Corgan noting that he was a fan of hers "before she submitted her name to be considered."[160]

In June 2024, Smashing Pumpkins performed a six-city tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which they co-headlined with Weezer.[161][162] That same month, Corgan stated that the band had been spending the last 2 years working on a guitar-driven new studio album, partially in response to the negative reception of the emphasis of synthesizers on the Atum releases.[163] The following month, the band announced their thirteenth album, Aghori Mhori Mei, would be released on August 2. The album would be released digitally first, before physical editions followed later.[164] An outtake, "Chrome Jets", was released as a standalone single in September 2025.[165]

On June 27, 2025, it was announced that a reissue of the band’s Machina albums would be taking place. A fully remastered version of Machina/The Machines of God was released on August 22, 2025, on physical formats and streaming. In October, the band released Machina: Aranea Alba Editio, which will contain 80 songs across eight records. The originally envisioned Machina concept album will consist of the first 48 songs, and the other 32 are various bonus tracks consisting of demos, outtakes, and live tracks.[166]

Musical style, influences, and legacy

[edit]
"Cherub Rock"
Sample of "Cherub Rock" from Siamese Dream (1993). This song featured many layers of guitar tracks and the famous "Pumpkin chord".
"1979"
Sample of "1979", the second single from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). The band's biggest hit and a precursor to their change in style, featuring a drum machine accompaniment to Chamberlin's drums and sampled vocal effects.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

The Smashing Pumpkins' music has explored alternative rock,[167][168][169][170] grunge,[171][170][172] psychedelic rock,[173] heavy metal,[171][173] shoegaze,[171] synth-pop,[169] art rock,[174] electronic rock,[175] gothic rock,[176] dream pop,[167] psychedelia,[167] college rock,[167] punk rock,[177] and progressive rock.[178] According to drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, when Smashing Pumpkins first formed, each member had their own set of influences, few of which were shared by the whole band:

At the beginning, [there were few common influences]. I came from a jazz background, my influences were Tony Williams, Jeff Beck, Return to Forever, Weather Report. Billy was very much into Joy Division, New Order, Bauhaus, but also was a closet Mahavishnu fan, and really liked that Yngwie Malmsteen stuff, progressive rock. James Iha was really into Johnny Marr, and D’arcy had her own trip as well.[179]

Since those early days, the direction of the Smashing Pumpkins has been dominated by lead guitarist, lead vocalist, keyboardist, bassist and primary songwriter Billy Corgan, who has been the band's sole constant member since its inception.[180] Journalist Greg Kot wrote, "The music [of the Smashing Pumpkins] would not be what it is without his ambition and vision, and his famously fractured relationships with his family, friends, and bandmembers."[4] Melissa Auf der Maur commented upon news of the group's reunion, "Everyone knows Billy doesn't need too many people to make a Pumpkins record, other than Jimmy [Chamberlin]—who he has on board."[181] In a 2015 interview, Corgan himself referred to the current iteration of the band as "sort of an open source collective",[182] noting that "[i]t's whoever feels right at the time."[182] Many of Corgan's lyrics for the Pumpkins are cathartic expressions of emotion, full of personal musings and strong indictments of himself and those close to him.[4] Music critics were not often fans of Corgan's angst-filled lyrics. Jim DeRogatis wrote in a 1993 Chicago Sun-Times article that Corgan's lyrics "too often sound like sophomoric poetry",[183] although he viewed the lyrics of later albums Adore and Machina as an improvement.[184] The band's songs have been described as "anguished, bruised reports from Billy Corgan's nightmare-land" by journalist William Shaw.[185]

The band's distinctive sound up until Adore involved layering numerous guitar tracks onto a song during the recording process, a tactic that Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness co-producer Flood called the "Pumpkin guitar overdub army."[49] Although there were a lot of overdubbed parts on Gish, Corgan began to really explore the possibilities of overdubbing with Siamese Dream; Corgan has stated that "Soma" alone contains up to 40 overdubbed guitar parts.[186] While Corgan knew many of the songs would be difficult or impossible to replicate from their recorded versions in concert (in fact, some songs were drastically altered for live performance), he has explained the use of overdubbing by posing the question "When you are faced with making a permanent recorded representation of a song, why not endow it with the grandest possible vision?"[187] This use of multilayered sounds was inspired by Corgan's love of 1970s popular artists and bands such as David Bowie, Cheap Trick, Queen, Boston, and the Electric Light Orchestra,[186] as well as shoegaze, a British alternative rock style of the late 1980s and early 1990s that relied on swirling layers of guitar noise for effect. Mellon Collie coproducer Alan Moulder was originally hired to mix Siamese Dream because Corgan was a fan of his work producing shoegaze bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and Slowdive.[188]

Like many contemporary alternative bands, the Smashing Pumpkins utilized shifts in song dynamics, going from quiet to loud and vice versa. Hüsker Dü's seminal album Zen Arcade demonstrated to the band how they could place gentler material against more aggressive fare,[4] and Corgan made such shifts in dynamics central to the pursuit of his grand musical ambitions.[189] Corgan said he liked the idea of creating his own alternative universe through sound that essentially tells the listener, "Welcome to Pumpkin Land, this is what it sounds like on Planet Pumpkin."[190] This emphasis on atmosphere carried through to Adore (described as "arcane night music" in prerelease promotion)[191] and the Machina albums (concept records that tell the story of a fictional rock band).[4]

Musicians Nelly Furtado (left) and Gerard Way (right) are influenced by the Pumpkins' material.

The Pumpkins drew inspiration from a variety of other genres, some unfashionable during the 1990s among music critics. Corgan in particular was open about his appreciation of heavy metal, citing Dimebag Darrell of Pantera as his favorite contemporary guitarist.[49][192] When one interviewer commented to Corgan and Iha that "Smashing Pumpkins is one of the groups that relegitimized heavy metal" and that they "were among the first alternative rockers to mention people like Ozzy and Black Sabbath with anything other than contempt", Corgan went on to rave about Black Sabbath's Master of Reality and Judas Priest's Unleashed in the East.[49] The song "Zero", which reminded Iha of Judas Priest, is an example of what the band dubbed "cybermetal".[193] Other bands Corgan cited as influences are Rainbow, Accept, Mercyful Fate, Dokken, Metallica, Slayer and Myrkur.[194]

Post-punk and gothic rock bands like Joy Division/New Order, Bauhaus, the Cure, and Depeche Mode were formative influences on the band, which covered such artists in concert and on record. Corgan also cited Siouxsie and the Banshees saying it was important to point back to bands that influenced them.[195] Psychedelic rock was also referenced often in the band's early recordings; according to Corgan, "In typical Pumpkins fashion, no one at that point really liked loud guitars or psychedelic music so, of course, that's exactly what we had to do."[196] Corgan felt that the band's guitars "are a mixture of heavy metal and 80s alternative rock. I think of Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees".[197] Corgan acknowledged that a chord he jokingly claimed as "the Pumpkin chord" (a G# octave chord at the eleventh fret of a guitar with the low E string played under it), used as the basis for "Cherub Rock", "Drown", and other songs, was in fact previously used by Jimi Hendrix.[186] Other early influences cited by Corgan include Cream, the Stooges, and Blue Cheer.[198]

Regarding the band's influence upon other groups, Greg Kot wrote in 2001, "Whereas Nirvana spawned countless mini-Nirvanas, the Pumpkins remain an island unto themselves."[4] Still, several artists and bands have considered the Pumpkins as an influence, such as Nelly Furtado,[199] Marilyn Manson,[200] Deftones,[201] Evanescence,[202] Third Eye Blind,[203] Mark Hoppus of Blink-182,[204] Tegan and Sara,[205] Fall Out Boy,[206] Rivers Cuomo,[207] M83,[208] Panic! at the Disco,[209] Silversun Pickups,[210] Vision Eternel,[211][212] My Chemical Romance, and Code Orange.[213] My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way has said that they pattern their career upon the Pumpkins',[214] including music videos.[215] The members of fellow Chicago band Kill Hannah are friends with Corgan,[216] and lead singer Mat Devine has compared his group to the Pumpkins.[217]

The group has sold over 30 million albums worldwide as of October 2012,[218] and sales in the United States alone reaching 19.75 million.[219] Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness have both appeared in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.[220][221]

Music videos

[edit]
The set from the "Tonight, Tonight" music video features the performers dressed in Victorian clothing on a colorful set mimicking the moon. A moon monster is portrayed by a man on the left of the photo; he has on a pale green form-fitting jumpsuit with large blue and purple dots on it and wears matching make-up. On his head is a large prosthesis mimicking tall pale green hair. A man stands to the right wearing a suit and bowler and in front of him is a woman wearing a flowing gown. The woman has just struck another moon monster with an umbrella, and the moon monster has disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Drawing heavy influence from Georges Méliès's A Trip to the Moon, the video for "Tonight, Tonight" was filmed in the style of a turn-of-the-century silent film using theater-style backdrops and primitive special effects.[222]

The Smashing Pumpkins have been praised as "responsible for some of the most striking and memorable video clips" and for having "approached videos from a completely artistic standpoint rather than mere commercials to sell albums".[223] MTV's 2001 anniversary special Testimony: 20 Years of Rock on MTV credited the Pumpkins, along with Nine Inch Nails, with treating music videos as an art form during the 1990s. Corgan has said, "We generally resisted the idea of what I call the classic MTV rock video, which is like lots of people jumping around and stuff."[224] The band worked with video directors including Kevin Kerslake ("Cherub Rock"), Samuel Bayer ("Bullet with Butterfly Wings"), and, most frequently, the team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris ("Rocket", "1979", "Tonight, Tonight", "The End Is the Beginning Is the End", and "Perfect"). Corgan, who was frequently heavily involved in the conception of the videos, said of Dayton and Faris, "I know my [initial] versions are always darker, and they're always talking me into something a little kinder and gentler."[225] Videos like "Today", "Rocket", and "1979" dealt with images taken from middle American culture, albeit exaggerated. The group's videos so often avoid the literal interpretation of the song lyrics that the video for "Thirty-Three", with images closely related to the words of the song, was created as an intentional stylistic departure.[226]

The band was nominated for several MTV Video Music Awards during the 1990s. In 1996, the group won eight VMAs total for the "1979" and "Tonight, Tonight" videos, including the top award, Video of the Year, for "Tonight, Tonight". The video was also nominated for a Grammy at the 1997 ceremony. Of the "Tonight, Tonight" video, Corgan remarked, "I don't think we've ever had people react [like this]... it just seemed to touch a nerve."[227]

Shortly after the band's 2000 breakup, the Greatest Hits Video Collection was released, collecting the band's music videos from 1991 to 2000 and including commentary from Corgan, Iha, Chamberlin, Wretzky, and various music video directors with outtakes, live performances, and the extended "Try, Try, Try" short film.[228]

Band members

[edit]
Main article: List of the Smashing Pumpkins band members

Current members

  • Billy Corgan – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass (1988–2000, 2006–present)
  • Jimmy Chamberlin – drums (1988–1996, 1998–2000, 2006–2009, 2015–present)
  • James Iha – guitar, bass, backing and occasional lead vocals (1988–2000, 2018–present)

Current touring musicians

  • Jack Bates – bass (2015–present)
  • Katie Cole – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
  • Kiki Wong – guitar (2024–present)

Former members

Awards

[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, see List of awards and nominations received by the Smashing Pumpkins.

American Music Awards

  • 1997 – Best Alternative Artist

Grammy Awards

MTV Europe Music Awards

  • 1996 – Best Rock

MTV Video Music Awards

  • 1996 – "Tonight, Tonight" – Video of the Year, Breakthrough Video, Best Direction, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography
  • 1996 – "1979" – Best Alternative Video

Discography

[edit]
Main article: The Smashing Pumpkins discography

Studio albums

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

† Reworked as Machina: Aranea Alba Editio (2025), a box set combining and restructuring both Machina albums into a single album with additional tracks.

‡ Part of Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009–2014), an overarching project abandoned before completion.[229][230]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

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Bibliography

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Smashing Pumpkins

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The Smashing Pumpkins is an American band formed in in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist , guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The band rose to international prominence during the 1990s alternative rock boom, blending influences from heavy metal, psychedelic rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and grunge into an eclectic sound characterized by Corgan's emotive lyrics and multi-layered production. Their debut album Gish (1991) marked an underground success, but follow-ups (1993) and the ambitious double album (1995) propelled them to mainstream stardom, with the latter debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving diamond certification for over 10 million units sold in the United States alone. Hits like "1979," "Tonight, Tonight," and "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" from these records dominated radio and MTV, contributing to the band's total worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million. Amid internal conflicts and lineup changes—including the departure of Wretzky in 1999, the temporary departure of Iha, and Chamberlin's firing following a 1996 drug-related incident—the Smashing Pumpkins released further albums like Adore (1998) and Machina/The Machines of God (2000) before disbanding that year. The group has earned two Grammy Awards from 11 nominations, including Best Hard Rock Performance for "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" in 1997, recognizing their innovative contributions to rock music. Corgan revived the band in 2006 with Chamberlin rejoining and new members, leading to ongoing activity through albums such as Oceania (2012), the rock opera ATUM (2023), and Aghori Mhori Mei (2024). As of 2025, the lineup consists of Corgan, Iha, Chamberlin, bassist Jack Bates, keyboardist Katie Cole, and guitarist Kiki Wong, with the band actively touring and performing.

History

Formation and early years: 1988–1991

The Smashing Pumpkins were founded in in 1988 by singer and guitarist and guitarist , who initially conceived the band as a pop act drawing inspiration from 1960s artists such as and . Shortly thereafter, the lineup expanded with the addition of drummer Ron Roesing, a former bandmate of Corgan from the short-lived group The Marked, and bassist , whom Corgan and Iha met at a local club. The band's name originated from Corgan's misremembered recollection of the phrase "smashing pumpkins," which he suggested during an early conversation as a quirky, memorable moniker before the full lineup was even assembled. The group quickly began performing at 's underground venues, including their debut gig on , , at a Polish bar called Chicago 21, followed by shows at the Cabaret Metro, where they honed their live sound amid the city's vibrant alternative scene. In 1989, the band recorded their first demo tape, titled Whir, which captured their evolving style and helped attract local attention. Following several drummer changes, including stints with a and temporary replacements after Roesing's departure, jazz-trained drummer joined in 1990, bringing a dynamic and technical edge that solidified the rhythm section. The Smashing Pumpkins signed with the independent UK label Hut Records in 1990, paving the way for their entry into the broader landscape. Their debut single, "," released in 1991, showcased a shift toward a heavier, more aggressive sound influenced by and emerging elements, while early tours supporting acts like helped build a dedicated local following in Chicago's indie circuit.

Rise to fame and Siamese Dream: 1992–1994

The Smashing Pumpkins' debut album, Gish, was recorded from December 1990 to March 1991 at Butch Vig's in , and released on May 28, 1991, through . Produced by Vig and frontman , the album blended , , and alternative elements, marking the band's transition from Chicago's independent scene to wider recognition. It debuted at No. 195 on the in September 1991, later achieving platinum certification for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States. Following its release, Gish gained traction through key singles "," issued in 1991 as the album's only official single, and "Drown," featured on the 1992 film Singles soundtrack. The band undertook extensive touring in 1992 and 1993, supporting acts like and while headlining club shows across and . By 1994, they joined the festival tour as a main stage act, performing alongside and , which exposed them to larger audiences amid the boom. Concurrently, tracks from Gish saw increasing airplay on U.S. alternative radio stations, with the album topping college radio charts like CMJ and building a . As the band signed to in 1992, internal tensions began to surface, including the breakup of guitarist and bassist D'arcy Wretzky's romantic relationship, as well as emerging drug use among members, particularly drummer . Corgan assumed near-total control over songwriting and production to navigate these conflicts, a dynamic that intensified during the recording of their follow-up album. Siamese Dream was recorded in late 1992 and early 1993 at Triclops Sound Studios in , under strained conditions, with Corgan isolating himself due to band discord and personal struggles, including depression and a near-breakdown. To minimize interpersonal friction, Corgan overdubbed nearly all guitar and bass parts himself, layering up to 40 tracks on some songs in collaboration with producer , resulting in a dense, orchestral sound. Released on July 27, 1993, via , the album debuted at No. 10 on the and went on to sell over four million copies worldwide. Singles "," "Today," and "" propelled to commercial success, with "" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Performance in 1994. These tracks, blending abrasive riffs with melodic introspection, solidified the band's status as grunge-era stars, bridging underground appeal with mainstream radio rotation. Despite the album's triumph, underlying strife—fueled by Corgan's dominant creative role and bandmates' personal issues—foreshadowed future challenges.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness era: 1995–1997

The Smashing Pumpkins' third studio album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, released on October 24, 1995, by , was conceived by frontman as a conceptual spanning to old age, featuring 28 tracks across two discs that blended aggression with orchestral ballads and psychedelic elements. The album was recorded over several months in 1995 at studios including the Recording Company and Corgan's home setup dubbed "Pumpkinland," with production handled by Corgan alongside and , who brought their experience from and to craft the expansive sound. Debuting at number one on the with first-week sales of 246,500 copies, it became the band's first chart-topping album and was certified diamond by the RIAA in 2012 for 10 million units sold in the United States alone, exceeding 10 million worldwide and solidifying their status as icons. The album's singles propelled its success, with "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Performance in 1997, while "," "Tonight, Tonight," and "Thirty-Three" dominated rotation through elaborate music videos directed by and others, emphasizing visual storytelling that mirrored the album's thematic depth. In support, the band embarked on an extensive world tour from late 1995 through early 1997, performing over 170 shows across 23 countries, incorporating new material and orchestral arrangements for tracks like "Tonight, Tonight." The tour was documented in the live video , released in 1996, which captured high-energy performances and behind-the-scenes footage from the era. A companion five-disc box set, , followed in November 1996, compiling expanded versions of the singles with B-sides and covers, further extending the album's narrative universe. The era was marred by tragedy and internal strife during the tour, when touring keyboardist died of a overdose on July 12, 1996, in after using the drug with drummer , who survived but was subsequently fired by the band on July 17 amid their zero-tolerance policy on drugs. was replaced by Matt Walker for the remainder of the tour, allowing it to continue despite the upheaval. Corgan publicly addressed the mounting pressures of superstardom, stating in 1996, "I was burned out... I didn’t know if I wanted to continue," highlighting the emotional toll of the album's creation and the relentless touring schedule.

Adore, Machina, and dissolution: 1998–2000

Following the monumental success of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the Smashing Pumpkins sought a stylistic shift for their fourth studio album, Adore, incorporating darker electronic elements amid the landscape. Drummer , who had been dismissed in 1996 due to heroin addiction, returned to the band after completing rehabilitation and contributed to the recordings, which took place primarily at 's Chicago Recording Company and Corgan's home studio between 1997 and 1998. The album's sound drew from gothic and electronic influences reminiscent of and , featuring drum machines, synthesizers, and atmospheric textures that marked a departure from the band's earlier guitar-driven intensity. Released on June 2, 1998, by , Adore debuted at No. 2 on the , selling 174,000 copies in its first week, though it fell short of the commercial heights of prior releases. Key singles included "," which peaked at No. 1 on the Alternative Songs chart and reached No. 42 on the Hot 100, and "Perfect," a more subdued acoustic track that climbed to No. 3 on Alternative Songs. The supporting tour for Adore, which began in July 1998, faced significant challenges, exacerbating internal tensions. relapsed into shortly after rejoining and was fired again in May 1999 during the European leg, prompting the band to enlist session musicians for the remainder of the dates. Drummer , known for his work with , handled primary drumming duties, backed by percussionists Dan Morris and , while pianist added keyboards; this expanded lineup aimed to replicate the album's layered sound but often resulted in cumbersome live arrangements, including extended percussion solos that drew mixed reviews. As recording progressed on the band's fifth album, , bassist departed in September 1999 amid personal struggles, including and frustration with band dynamics, where she felt increasingly sidelined creatively. Former Hole bassist was recruited as her replacement, joining for the Machina tour and contributing to its completion without appearing on the album itself. Conceptualized as the second part of a rock opera narrative about a fictional musician named Glass and his band the Machines of God, Machina blended with electronic flourishes and was released on February 29, 2000, via . It debuted at No. 3 on the , moving 165,000 units in its first week, though sales dropped sharply thereafter. Singles "Stand Inside Your Love" and "Real Love" both reached the top five on the Alternative Songs chart, with the former peaking at No. 2. In a bold move against label constraints, Corgan released the companion album Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music for free online in September 2000, distributing only 25 physical copies to fans with instructions to share it digitally, as part of the overarching concept. By late 2000, mounting exhaustion from over a decade of relentless touring and recording, coupled with disputes with Virgin over Machina's promotion and creative control, led to the band's dissolution. On December 21, 2000, Corgan issued a farewell letter on the band's website, announcing the end of the Smashing Pumpkins after their final shows that month, stating, "I've given all I can give, and now I need to heal," while reflecting on the personal toll and lack of support from the label. The breakup marked the close of the original lineup's era, with Corgan emphasizing the need for rest amid ongoing internal and external pressures.

Hiatus and individual projects: 2001–2005

Following the dissolution of the Smashing Pumpkins in late 2000, amid lingering tensions from the Machina era, frontman and drummer quickly formed the supergroup in the fall of 2001, recruiting guitarist , bassist , and multi-instrumentalist . The band debuted with a series of live performances and released their only studio album, Mary, Star of the Sea, on January 28, 2003, via , featuring Corgan's signature melodic songwriting blended with optimistic, folk-inflected rock arrangements. However, internal conflicts over creative direction and personal dynamics led to Zwan's abrupt disbandment, with Corgan announcing the split on Chicago radio station WGN on September 15, 2003, effectively ending the project by early 2004. Corgan then pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album TheFutureEmbrace on June 21, 2005, through , an experimental electronic-rock effort produced with of that showcased layered synthesizers and introspective lyrics, peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard 200. Around the same period, Corgan performed select shows with rock veterans , filling in on guitar for co-founder during a handful of 2005-2006 appearances, reflecting his long-standing admiration for the Illinois power-pop pioneers who influenced early Pumpkins material. Meanwhile, guitarist focused on production and collaborative work, contributing guitar and production to Fountains of Wayne's 2003 album Welcome Interstate Managers, including the hit single "Stacy's Mom," while also joining as a touring guitarist in 2003-2004. Bassist made brief forays into local music scenes in post-2000, including informal recordings and performances, but largely withdrew from the industry by mid-decade to focus on personal life and acting aspirations, effectively retiring from professional music. Former touring bassist , who had filled in during the band's final years, released her self-titled solo debut Auf der Maur on February 2, 2004, via , a gothic-tinged record featuring contributions from Smashing Pumpkins alumni like and featuring singles such as "Followed the Waves." The album explored themes of identity and transformation, drawing from her experiences in and the Pumpkins. Concurrently, Auf der Maur ventured into acting, appearing in a small role as a bass player in the 2003 film Beyond Borders, marking her initial foray into on-screen work alongside her musical pursuits. In early 2004, Corgan publicly expressed frustration over the original Pumpkins lineup's fracture via a personal blog post, blaming guitarist for the 2000 split and revealing that he had sought to continue without fully dissolving it, but efforts to reunite the core members—himself, Iha, , and Wretzky—failed due to unresolved interpersonal issues. This led Corgan to pivot toward solo endeavors and initial plans for a Pumpkins revival under his sole leadership, setting the stage for future iterations of the project.

Reunion and Zeitgeist: 2006–2008

In April 2006, Billy Corgan announced the reunion of The Smashing Pumpkins, initially comprising himself and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, with plans to record a new studio album after a six-year hiatus. The duo recruited a new lineup for the project, including guitarist Jeff Schroeder, bassist Ginger Reyes, and keyboardist Lisa Harriton, marking a fresh start without original members James Iha or D'arcy Wretzky. This reformation aimed to recapture the band's raw energy, drawing from Corgan's solo work during the break but shifting back to collaborative rock dynamics. The resulting album, , was recorded primarily in and , co-produced by Corgan, , , and , emphasizing a stripped-down, aggressive rock sound with heavy guitars and dynamic drumming. Released on July 10, 2007, by , it debuted at number 2 on the chart, selling 203,000 copies in its first week in the United States. Lead single "Tarantula" preceded the album in May 2007, reaching number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, while "Bleeding the Orchid" followed as a promotional track, highlighting the record's themes of disillusionment and intensity. Overall, sold over 500,000 copies worldwide but received mixed critical reception, praised for its muscular production yet criticized for lacking the melodic innovation of the band's output. Following the album's release, The Smashing Pumpkins launched an extensive world tour in May 2007, performing 94 shows across arenas, theaters, and festivals in 15 countries, including headlining spots in and . Highlights included residencies at The Orange Peel in , and in , where the band tested new material amid evolving setlists blending classics like "Tonight, Tonight" with tracks. In November 2008, they released If All Goes Wrong, a two-DVD set documenting the Fillmore residency with a full , behind-the-scenes footage, and unreleased songs, capturing the tour's creative highs and logistical challenges. Despite the productive output, internal tensions resurfaced during the reunion period, stemming from creative differences and the pressures of reforming without the full original lineup, though the core duo of Corgan and maintained stability through 2008. The era revitalized the band's presence but underscored ongoing interpersonal strains that would influence future changes.

and : 2009–2013

In May 2009, following the mixed reception to the band's previous album , announced an ambitious new project titled , envisioned as a 44-track released for free online in a series of 11 EPs, drawing on psychedelic and experimental influences to explore themes of and spirituality. The initiative aimed to bypass traditional models, with tracks made available digitally as they were completed. The first single, "A Song for a Son," was released in December 2009, followed by "Song for a Sonic Bloom" in May 2010 as part of the initial EP volume. That March, prior to the project's full rollout, drummer departed the band amid business disputes with Corgan, leaving the frontman as the sole original member. Corgan recruited 19-year-old as the new drummer after an open audition process that drew over 1,000 applicants, with officially joining in August 2009; guitarist , who had been with the band since 2007, continued in his role. This lineup recorded the early Teargarden material, including the debut EP Songs for a Sailor (four tracks) in 2010 and The Solstice Bare (another four tracks) later that year, alongside additional standalone releases like "The Fellowship" and "Cottonwood Symphony" in 2011. By 2012, with the Teargarden project progressing slowly, Corgan decided to extract 13 songs from it for a standalone album, , produced by Corgan and longtime collaborator Bjorn Thorsrud at Corgan's private studio in . Released on June 19, 2012, via Martha's Music, marked a shift back to the band's signature melodic rock sound, featuring layered guitars, soaring choruses, and emotional introspection reminiscent of their 1990s peak. The album debuted at No. 4 on the chart, selling over 54,000 copies in its first week and signaling a commercial resurgence. To promote Oceania, the Smashing Pumpkins embarked on the Oceania Tour, a global run of headline shows spanning , , Australia, and North America from May 2012 through early 2013, often performing the album in full during sets. Highlights included performances at major venues like in and the in New York, where the band captured a complete rendition of Oceania for the live release Oceania: Live in NYC on , 2013. Despite these efforts, the broader initiative stalled by 2013, with only 11 tracks issued for free online, leaving the full 44-song vision unrealized as Corgan pivoted to other projects.

Monuments to an Elegy and lineup shifts: 2014–2017

In early 2014, announced that the Smashing Pumpkins had signed with and would release new music as part of the ongoing project. The resulting release, , emerged on December 9, 2014, via Corgan's own Martha's Music imprint, functioning as a standalone EP despite its album-length scope of ten tracks. Recorded primarily as a duo by Corgan and guitarist , the EP featured contributions from Mötley Crüe drummer on percussion, with production handled by , known for his work on the band's earlier albums like . The material leaned into a heavier, guitar-driven sound, blending dense riffs and melodic hooks with electronic elements, marking a shift toward more streamlined song structures compared to the expansive . It debuted at No. 33 on the , reflecting modest commercial reception amid the band's evolving lineup. The EP's recording sessions coincided with significant personnel flux, particularly at drums. In June 2014, prior to tracking, longtime drummer Mike Byrne departed the group after five years of service, with Corgan citing the need for a more experienced collaborator during the process. Byrne's exit left the band as a core duo of Corgan and Schroeder, though Lee filled the drumming role for without committing to full membership. This instability extended into live performances; for the subsequent End Times Tour—a 24-date co-headlining run with that spanned July and August 2015 across North American amphitheaters—original drummer rejoined temporarily to provide percussion support. The tour, which opened on July 7 in , and closed on August 8 in , emphasized the band's catalog alongside newer material, but Chamberlin's involvement ended post-tour, leaving the percussion slot vacant once more. By late 2015, following the tour's conclusion, the Smashing Pumpkins entered a period of reduced activity, with no new recordings or major tours until 2018. Corgan shifted focus to personal ventures, including heightened involvement in his Madame ZuZu's tea shop and emporium in —a venue he had opened in 2012 but which gained prominence in 2014 through events like an eight-hour improvisational performance inspired by Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha. This side pursuit, emphasizing vegan cuisine and community gatherings, underscored Corgan's diversifying interests amid the band's transitional phase, as the group navigated ongoing lineup uncertainties without a permanent drummer.

Core reunion and Shiny and Oh So Bright: 2018–2019

In February 2018, The Smashing Pumpkins announced the reunion of founding members , , and , marking the first time the core trio had collaborated since 2000 and completing three-fourths of the band's original lineup, with longtime guitarist also participating. The announcement highlighted a renewed band dynamic, with Corgan emphasizing the excitement of working together again after years of estrangement, particularly with Iha, whom he had not spoken to for nearly 17 years. The reunion's first musical output was the single "Solara," released on June 8, 2018, as a teaser for upcoming material recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu with producer . This was followed by the full-length album Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun., issued on November 16, 2018, via , which debuted at No. 54 on the chart. Standout tracks included the "Solara" and the follow-up "Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts)," released on September 13, 2018, both of which showcased a return to the band's roots with layered guitars and dynamic rhythms. The album's songwriting marked a departure from Corgan's previous solo-dominated approach, incorporating collaborative input from Iha and to foster a more band-oriented creative process, including shared ideas during sessions that resulted in over 50 initial song sketches. To support the album, The Smashing Pumpkins embarked on the "Shiny and Oh So Bright" world tour from July to August 2019, featuring arena shows across , , and festivals like Reading and , with setlists drawing heavily from their catalog alongside new material. The performances received praise for their high energy and tight execution, recapturing the intensity of the band's classic era while highlighting the reunited lineup's chemistry on stage. The reunion was not without , as original bassist publicly disputed her exclusion from the lineup in February , claiming Corgan had initially invited her to participate but later revoked the offer due to contract disputes and personal tensions. The band responded by stating that a formal contract had been extended to Wretzky, but negotiations broke down over her demands, leading to her absence from the project.

Cyr and ongoing evolution: 2020–2021

In November 2020, the Smashing Pumpkins released their eleventh studio album, Cyr, a 20-track double album issued through Sumerian Records. Self-produced by Billy Corgan at his Chicago studio, the record represented a bold pivot toward electronic and synth-pop sounds, drawing heavily from 1980s new wave aesthetics. Conceptualized as a loose sci-fi narrative exploring themes of futuristic dystopia and societal alienation, Cyr featured contributions from core members James Iha and Jeff Schroeder on guitars alongside Jimmy Chamberlin on drums, though Corgan handled most instrumentation and production. The album debuted at number 86 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 71 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the band's continued presence in mainstream rock despite the stylistic departure. Preceding the full release, the band issued several singles to build anticipation, including the title track "Cyr" on , , and "Confessions of a Addict" on September 25, 2020, both paired with B-sides like "The Colour of Love" and "Wrath" in digital formats. These tracks exemplified the album's glossy, synth-driven production and thematic focus on and emotional disconnection, with Corgan describing Cyr as a symbolic portrayal of modern dissociative life. The project's creation occurred amid the global , which isolated the band during recording and forced a reevaluation of their creative process. The pandemic's restrictions halted traditional live tours that might have supported Cyr, leading the band to adapt through virtual promotions and remote appearances. A notable example was their December 2, 2020, performance of "Cyr" on Starring , delivered remotely by the full lineup to showcase the album's lead single. Additional online interviews and discussions, including Corgan's Thirty-Three with William Patrick Corgan, provided platforms to elaborate on the album's influences and narrative intent. On October 22, 2020, amid Cyr's rollout, Corgan revealed plans for a ambitious 33-song multi-act serving as a to Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995) and (2000), with an initial target release in late 2021. This announcement underscored the band's ongoing evolution, extending Cyr's conceptual groundwork into a larger narrative arc while maintaining the stable core lineup of Corgan, Iha, Schroeder, and , free of significant personnel changes during 2020–2021. The stylistic risks taken on Cyr built on the collaborative momentum from their 2018 reunion album Shiny and Oh So Bright Vol. 1 // LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun., further diversifying the group's sound in the post-reunion era.

Atum, Aghori Mhori Mei, and recent releases: 2022–2025

In 2022, The Smashing Pumpkins released the first installment of their ambitious Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts, intended as a spiritual sequel to the band's earlier concept albums Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995) and (2000). The project comprises 33 tracks divided into three acts, with Act 1 dropping on November 15, 2022, featuring 11 songs that blend orchestral elements, electronic textures, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of redemption and futurism. Act 2 followed on January 31, 2023, continuing the narrative arc, while Act 3 concluded the series on May 5, 2023, with the full album compiled for physical release later that month. The complete Atum debuted at No. 43 on the chart, marking the band's continued presence in the rock landscape despite mixed critical reception for its sprawling ambition. The album's promotion included high-profile interviews and collaborations, with frontman discussing its conceptual ties to the band's past works alongside guests like of Tool during promotional appearances. In 2023, the band headlined the inaugural "The World Is a Festival" in on March 4, followed by "The World Is a Tour," a 26-date North American run produced by Live Nation, featuring opening acts such as , , and . The tour's North American leg kicked off with shows in on July 28 and 30, 2023, at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan, delivering a setlist heavy on Atum material alongside classics. This outing emphasized the band's evolving live energy, with Corgan highlighting the opera's immersive storytelling during performances. In October 2023, longtime departed after 16 years, citing a desire for new creative pursuits. Shifting gears in 2024, The Smashing Pumpkins returned to a more straightforward rock sound with Aghori Mhori Mei, their thirteenth studio album, released on August 2 via Martha's Music. Produced entirely by Billy Corgan at his personal studio, the 10-track effort draws on the band's grunge and alternative roots, prioritizing raw guitar riffs, driving drums, and concise song structures over the synth-heavy experimentation of prior releases like Cyr (2020). Critics praised its revitalized energy and cohesion, with outlets noting standout tracks like "Edin" and "War Dreams (Of Itself)" for recapturing the urgency of the band's 1990s heyday, hailing it as their strongest outing since Oceania (2012). The album's title, inspired by Aghori ascetic traditions, reflects Corgan's thematic interest in transcendence, though it eschewed the narrative sprawl of Atum for immediate, guitar-centric impact. Following an open audition process that received over 10,000 applications, the band announced guitarist Kiki Wong as Schroeder's touring replacement in April 2024. By 2025, the band maintained momentum with targeted releases and activities amid ongoing touring. On September 12, they issued the single "Chrome Jets," an outtake from the Aghori Mhori Mei sessions recorded in June 2022 at Sound Emporium Studios, teased as a heavier, riff-driven pivot signaling future directions. The track arrived alongside a limited 12-inch vinyl featuring a live cover of U2's "Zoo Station," recorded during the band's 2024 European dates and released as a bonus to bridge their phase with rawer influences. In October, The Smashing Pumpkins collaborated with upscale grocer on the "OG Goth Smoothie," a limited-edition drink blending , cacao, and cola for $19.—a nod to "1979"—with proceeds benefiting The Foundation for brain health advocacy. Touring persisted into 2025, including a notable August 12 performance at in Halifax, , as part of the "Aghori Tour," where the band delivered a career-spanning set to a sold-out crowd in the historic venue, blending Aghori Mhori Mei cuts with staples like "." Later that year, on November 4, shared reflective comments in a video about former bassist D'arcy Wretzky's pivotal role in the band's early success, crediting her musical input and opinions as essential to shaping their original sound during the Gish (1991) and Siamese Dream (1993) eras, marking a conciliatory note amid past tensions. These efforts underscored the band's adaptability, balancing new music, archival nods, and cultural tie-ins while sustaining live engagements across and .

Artistry

Musical style

The Smashing Pumpkins' music is characterized by heavy distorted guitars, dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive crescendos, orchestral arrangements, and Billy Corgan's emotive layered with multi-tracked vocals. These elements create a signature blend of heavy metal riffs, atmospheres, , and textures, emphasizing dramatic emotional intensity through contrasts in volume and texture. Corgan's vocals often range from wails to soft cooing, delivering lyrics that explore themes of alienation, , and with a punk-infused energy tempered by pop accessibility. The band's style evolved significantly across their discography, beginning in the early 1990s with grunge and shoegaze influences on albums like Siamese Dream, where lush, wavelike guitar tones and intricate overdubs dominated, drawing from heavy rock and noise experimentation. By Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the sound expanded into a psychedelic rock opera incorporating orchestral swells and diverse song structures, maintaining the quiet-loud dynamics but adding symphonic breadth. In the late 1990s, Adore marked a pivot to electronic and industrial elements, featuring drum programming, minimalist electro-pop, and trip-hop rhythms that subdued traditional guitars in favor of sparse, gothic chamber ballads. This progression continued into the 2020s, with Cyr embracing full synth-pop production through repetitive hooks and ambient electronic layers, while Aghori Mhori Mei signaled a revival of guitar-driven rock with bold riffs and stripped-down attitude, reconnecting to the band's heavier roots. Production hallmarks include collaborations with and , who crafted dense, multi-layered mixes via extensive overdubs—Corgan often playing most guitars and bass himself—resulting in embellished instrumentation like string sections and effects pedals for irradiated tones. Corgan's multi-instrumentalism further enabled studio experimentation, from analog tape saturation in the to digital tools like Logic in later works, consistently blending raw energy with polished orchestration to underscore the band's thematic focus on personal turmoil and transcendence.

Influences

The Smashing Pumpkins' music draws heavily from , with citing as a formative influence for their ambitious conceptual structures and immersive soundscapes. In particular, Corgan has described listening to as a transporting experience that shaped his approach to expansive songwriting. Similarly, Queen inspired the band's theatrical elements and layered harmonies, as Corgan referenced their influence alongside other progressive acts like Yes and Jethro Tull during his early exposure to complex rock compositions. Punk and post-punk energies also profoundly impacted the band, particularly through , whose gothic-tinged intensity and innovative guitar work resonated with Corgan's style. He has highlighted their orchestral experiments, such as on The Thorn, as a key touchstone for blending rock with atmospheric depth. Joy Division's raw emotional delivery and nihilistic themes further fueled Corgan's songcraft, with tracks like "" exemplifying the "perfect pop song for people who are not trying to write perfect pop songs." The band's dynamic shifts and textural contrasts reflect influences from grunge contemporaries like Nirvana and the Pixies, whose loud-quiet structures provided a blueprint for aggression and melody. pioneers My Bloody Valentine contributed to the Pumpkins' signature walls of guitar noise, as Corgan acknowledged their impact on tracks like "Daydream" from . Corgan has also drawn from pop innovators, praising for masking sophisticated arrangements beneath accessible surfaces, much like his own harmonic explorations. Additional inspirations include David Bowie's theatricality and reinvention, which Corgan admired deeply and even honored through covers and personal tributes. Black Sabbath's heavy riffs and bluesy heft codified elements of the band's harder edges, with Corgan calling them pioneers of heavy metal's language. Visually and thematically, 1980s goth rock from acts like Bauhaus informed the Pumpkins' dark, melancholic aesthetic, while sci-fi narratives shaped conceptual works like Machina/The Machines of God and ATUM.

Legacy and impact

The Smashing Pumpkins played a pivotal role in pioneering during the 1990s, blending elements of with and orchestral flourishes to bridge raw emotional intensity and expansive sonic experimentation. Their breakthrough albums, such as (1993) and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995), helped define the era's sound, moving beyond grunge's minimalism toward a more ambitious, layered aesthetic that emphasized vulnerability and grandeur. This innovative approach influenced subsequent acts, including , whose frontman has cited the Pumpkins as a key inspiration alongside Nirvana and , even covering tracks like "" and "Zero" in tribute. Modern artists like have also acknowledged Billy Corgan's impact, with the singer describing him as a "massive part" of his shift from pop to rock influences. The band's cultural footprint remains iconic through their MTV-era videos, which captured the visual poetry of their music and propelled them to global stardom during the network's peak. Videos like "Tonight, Tonight" (1996), with its Georges Méliès-inspired whimsy, earned widespread rotation and helped the Pumpkins win seven that year, solidifying their role in shaping and the video medium's artistic potential. Complementing this legacy is the enduring fan community fostered by Madame Zuzu's, the tea shop opened by Corgan in 2012 as a gathering space for music, art, and conversation; it regularly hosts intimate acoustic performances and events that draw dedicated followers, serving as a physical hub for the band's loyal base. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, the Smashing Pumpkins maintain ongoing relevance despite not yet being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for which they first became eligible in 2016. Their 2020s resurgence, marked by ambitious releases like the 33-track Atum (2023) and the prog-infused Aghori Mhori Mei (2024), has revitalized their profile, attracting a diverse fanbase including Gen Z listeners via platforms like through viral clips of classic tracks and new material. Corgan's crossover into , including his brief role as president of TNA Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling) in 2016, his purchase and ownership of the (NWA) since 2017, and a 2024 unscripted TV series documenting his NWA ownership, further extends the band's cultural reach by blending rock stardom with entertainment entrepreneurship. Critically, the Pumpkins transitioned from 1990s backlash over perceived overexposure and internal tensions following Mellon Collie's massive success to widespread acclaim in the for their longevity and bold experimentation. Recent reviews praise Aghori Mhori Mei as a "return to form" with emotional depth and alt-rock immediacy, earning four stars and highlighting the band's ability to evolve while honoring their roots. This reevaluation underscores their enduring influence, as Corgan's vision continues to drive innovative output amid lineup changes and personal projects.

Members and personnel

Current members

Billy Corgan is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the Smashing Pumpkins, born on March 17, 1967, in Elk Grove, Illinois, near . As the band's sole constant member since its formation in 1988, Corgan has shaped its creative direction across multiple eras, including recent albums like Aghori Mhori Mei (2024). Beyond music, he owns the (NWA) promotion since 2017 and stars in the reality series Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland, which aired its second season in 2024. , born March 26, 1968, in to Japanese-American parents, serves as the band's rhythm guitarist and a founding member who rejoined in 2018. Known for his melodic guitar work and backing vocals, Iha has pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Let It Come Down (2003), and has worked as a producer for artists including . His return contributed to the reunion lineup for the 2018 tour and subsequent releases. Jimmy Chamberlin, the original drummer born June 10, 1964, in , brings jazz influences to the band's dynamic sound and has been involved since 1988, with breaks from 1996–1998 and 2009–2018. A founding member, he rejoined full-time in 2018, powering live performances and recordings like Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018). Chamberlin has also led jazz-fusion projects such as the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex. Kiki Wong joined as touring guitarist in April 2024, following an open audition process, adding elements after Jeff Schroeder's departure. A social media influencer with over 700,000 followers, Wong, born April 15, 1989 (Korean and Chinese American), brings a fresh, shred-focused style to the band's live shows in 2024–2025 tours. She has participated in Billy Corgan's 2025 solo tour alongside other musicians. Jack Bates, bassist since 2015, provides the low-end foundation for the band's current touring lineup. The son of , bassist of and New Order, he began playing bass at age 12 and has prior session experience with acts like Editors and . Bates has contributed to albums including Cyr () and Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts (). Katie Cole, keyboards, guitar, and backing vocalist since 2015, enhances the band's atmospheric layers on tour and in studio. An Australian-born based in Nashville, born October 25 in , , Cole has released solo work like the EP Rivers & Roads (2023) and collaborated on Pumpkins tracks for Cyr and Atum. She remains active in the 2025 touring configuration.

Former members

D'arcy Wretzky (born May 1, 1968) served as the original bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins from the band's formation in 1988 until her departure in 1999. As a founding member, she played a pivotal role in shaping the group's early sound, contributing bass lines to landmark albums such as Gish (1991), (1993), and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995), which helped establish the band's prominence. Her exit was amid personal struggles, including issues that strained band dynamics. In 2025, frontman publicly acknowledged Wretzky's vital contributions, stating that her opinions and input "had a lot to do with the success of the band" and crediting her as a key factor in the group's early achievements. Melissa Auf der Maur (born March 17, 1972) joined the Smashing Pumpkins as bassist in late 1999 following Wretzky's departure, serving through the band's initial disbandment in 2000. Previously known for her work with , where she contributed to albums like (1994), Auf der Maur brought a seasoned presence to the Pumpkins during their promotional tour for (2000). Her brief tenure focused primarily on live performances, helping maintain the band's momentum amid lineup instability, though she did not appear on studio recordings for that era. Ginger Reyes (born April 22, 1977), later known as , was the bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins from 2007 to 2010 during the band's post-hiatus reformation. A longtime fan of the group, she joined after extensive rehearsals and contributed to live tours supporting the albums (2007) and (2012), providing solid rhythmic foundation during a period of lineup experimentation. Reyes' time with the band ended in 2010 as she shifted focus to family priorities, including starting a family. Mike Byrne (born February 6, 1990) joined the Smashing Pumpkins as drummer in 2009 at the age of 19, becoming one of the band's youngest members and a prodigious talent scouted from hundreds of audition tapes. He performed on the albums Teargarden by the Sea (2009–2010) and Oceania (2012), delivering dynamic drumming that supported the band's return to a more aggressive sound while adapting to frontman Billy Corgan's evolving vision. Byrne departed in 2014, with Corgan later citing the need for a more independent collaborator as a factor in the split. Nicole Fiorentino (born April 7, 1979) served as bassist from 2010 to 2014, stepping in after Reyes' exit and contributing to the band's studio and live efforts during a transitional phase. With prior experience in bands like and the Cold and Lovely, she played on (2012) and the EP (2014), adding melodic depth to the Pumpkins' sound through her versatile bass work and backing vocals. Her tenure ended amid internal disputes, with Fiorentino confirming she was dismissed by Corgan, though she viewed the circumstances differently from the band's perspective. Jeff Schroeder (born June 26, 1974) served as lead guitarist from 2007 until his departure in October 2023 for personal reasons, contributing to albums including Zeitgeist (2007), Oceania (2012), Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018), Cyr (2020), and Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts (2023). Among the earliest transient members, Ron Roesing briefly handled drums for the Smashing Pumpkins in 1988, appearing on the band's inaugural demo cassette Nothing Ever Changes and helping lay the groundwork for their initial post-punk and gothic rock explorations before Jimmy Chamberlin's arrival.

Timeline of lineup changes

The Smashing Pumpkins' lineup has experienced significant flux since their formation, marked by periods of stability interspersed with departures driven by personal conflicts, substance issues, and creative differences. The original quartet provided a foundation of consistency through much of the , but internal tensions led to the first major shakeup in 1996. Subsequent reunions and reforms have seen as the sole constant member, with rotating personnel on drums, bass, and guitar reflecting the band's evolving dynamics. From 1988 to 1996, the core lineup of (vocals and guitar), (guitar), (bass), and (drums) remained intact, supporting the band's breakthrough albums Gish (1991) and [Siamese Dream](/page/Siamese Dream) (1993), as well as the ambitious Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). This era represented a period of relative stability despite growing internal pressures from fame and substance use. In July 1996, however, Chamberlin was fired following a overdose incident that also resulted in the death of touring keyboardist , prompting the band to continue with temporary drummer Matt Walker for live performances and the recording of Adore (1998). Between 1996 and 2000, lineup instability persisted amid relapses and exits. rejoined in 1999 for the sessions, briefly restoring much of the original configuration, though Wretzky departed in September 1999 due to escalating conflicts with Corgan over her reliability and personal struggles. replaced her as bassist in October 1999, contributing to the album's completion and the subsequent tour. The band disbanded after a final performance on December 2, 2000, leaving no active lineup from 2001 to 2005 as members pursued solo endeavors. The band's reformation began in 2006 with Corgan and Chamberlin reuniting to record Zeitgeist (2007), joined by new guitarist in early 2007 and bassist Ginger Reyes later that year, establishing a fresh configuration that toured through 2008. Stability was short-lived, as Chamberlin exited again on March 23, 2009, citing creative differences and a desire to focus on his jazz project, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex. From 2010 to 2017, the band navigated multiple changes in its while Corgan and Schroeder provided continuity. Drummer Mike Byrne joined in 2010, followed by bassist , forming a core that supported releases like Oceania (2012) and extensive touring. departed in 2014 amid reported tensions, with Jack Bates filling in on bass for select dates; Byrne left in July 2014, leading to temporary stints by drummers (2014) and (2015), alongside Chamberlin's occasional guest appearances on 2015 tours despite not rejoining full-time. Since 2018, the lineup has achieved greater stability around a partial original core. In February 2018, Corgan, Iha, and announced a reunion tour, incorporating Schroeder on guitar, Bates as permanent bassist, and on keyboards and vocals, a configuration that yielded the EP Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018). Schroeder departed in October 2023 for personal reasons after 16 years, prompting an open call that received over 10,000 applications. The band selected Kiki Wong as his replacement in April 2024, maintaining the current roster of Corgan, Iha, , Wong, Bates, and Cole through releases like Aghori Mhori Mei (2024) and into 2025 without further major shifts.

Discography

Studio albums

The Smashing Pumpkins' studio albums are listed below chronologically, including release dates, record labels, and peak positions on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelUS Billboard 200 Peak
GishMay 28, 1991195
July 27, 199310
October 24, 19951
AdoreJune 2, 19982
Machina/The Machines of GodFebruary 29, 20003
July 10, 20072
June 19, 2012Martha's Music4
Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.November 16, 201854
CyrNovember 27, 202086
Atum: A Rock Opera in Three ActsMay 5, 2023Martha's Music111
Mhori MeiAugust 2, 2024Martha's Music130

Compilation albums and EPs

The Smashing Pumpkins released their first major compilation, , on November 26, 1996, through . This five-disc box set compiled B-sides and rarities from the five singles supporting their 1995 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, including expanded editions of tracks like and along with covers such as Fleetwood Mac's and the Carpenters' The collection peaked at number 42 on the US chart and was praised for preserving non-album material from the band's most commercially successful era. In 2001, Virgin issued , subtitled The Smashing Pumpkins Greatest Hits, which served as a career up to that point, featuring key tracks like "," "Today," and "." The limited-edition double-disc version included a bonus disc titled Judas O, containing post-1994 B-sides and rarities such as "," "," and covers like David Essex's "." debuted at number 31 on the US , marking the band's final major-label release before their initial . International editions of Greatest Hits followed post-2000 in regions like and Australia, often mirroring the US tracklist with minor regional adjustments, such as additional remixes or live cuts. Earphoria, a live album compiling recordings from 1991 to 1999, was released on November 19, 2002, by . It peaked at number 196 on the US Billboard 200 and served as an archival collection of the band's early live performances. Following the band's 2007 reunion, was released on November 11, 2008, via Coming Home Media (distributed under Martha's Music). This two-disc set functioned as a live in audio form derived from video footage, capturing performances from the band's 2007-2008 tour, including a full residency at in , alongside a documentary on the reformation. The release highlighted the new lineup's energy, with extended jams on classics like "" and new material from , though it did not chart prominently. The ambitious project began in 2010 with the self-released EPs Vol. 1: Songs for a Sailor (May 25) and Vol. 2: The Solstice Bare (May 2011), available as free digital downloads via the band's website. Intended as installments of a 44-track inspired by imagery, these EPs featured psychedelic tracks like "A Song for a Son" and "The Fellowship," recorded with a rotating cast of collaborators including Mike Byrne on . Limited physical editions were produced for fans, emphasizing accessibility over commercial sales, though the full project evolved into later albums. Oceania: Live in NYC, a live album documenting the band's June 2013 performances at the Apollo Theater, was released on November 19, 2013, by Martha's Music. It captured the promotion of the Oceania album with the then-current lineup. Monuments to an Elegy, an EP released on December 9, 2014, through Martha's Music, marked a collaborative pivot with producer Flood and guest vocalist Katie Cole on tracks like "One and All." The five-song set blended orchestral elements with the band's alt-rock core, debuting at number 33 on the US Billboard 200 and number 4 on the Independent Albums chart. It served as a companion to the full-length Adore Reprise project, focusing on reimagined aesthetics from the late-1990s era. In 2020, a recording of the band's October 23, 1995, performance at Chicago's Riviera Theatre—titled Live at the Riviera—was made available online and through various platforms as an archival live release. This captured the band during the Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness era, including tracks like "Tonight, Tonight" and "Zero."

Recognition

Awards and nominations

The Smashing Pumpkins have received numerous accolades throughout their career, particularly during their peak in the 1990s, with recognition from major music awards bodies for their innovative alternative rock sound and video productions. Their wins and nominations highlight contributions from albums like Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and standout singles such as "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and "Tonight, Tonight." While they secured two Grammy Awards in the hard rock category, the band also earned multiple MTV Video Music Awards and international nods, though post-2000 honors have been more limited.

Grammy Awards

The band earned their first Grammy win at the in 1997 for Best Hard Rock Performance with "Bullet with Butterfly Wings," the lead single from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, which also garnered seven nominations that year, including Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Tonight, Tonight." They were previously nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for Siamese Dream in 1994 at the . In 1998, at the , they won Best Hard Rock Performance again for "The End Is the Beginning Is the End," from the Batman & Robin soundtrack. Additional nominations include Best Alternative Music Performance for Adore in 1999 at the .

MTV Video Music Awards

At the , the Smashing Pumpkins dominated with six wins for the "Tonight, Tonight" video, including Video of the Year, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction in a Video, Best Special Effects in a Video, and Breakthrough Video. The same year, their video for "" won Best Alternative Video, contributing to the band's total of seven awards that night. They received further nominations in subsequent years, such as Best Editing for "The End Is the Beginning Is the End" in 1997.

Other Awards and Nominations

In the UK, they received a BRIT Award nomination for Best International Group in 1997. Internationally, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness earned a Juno Award nomination for Best Selling International Album in 1997. The band won the American Music Award for Favorite Alternative Artist in 1997. More recently, their 2023 album Atum received consideration in alternative music categories but did not secure major nominations.

Commercial achievements

The Smashing Pumpkins have achieved significant commercial success, selling over 30 million albums worldwide as reported by their label BMG Records. Their breakthrough album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 246,500 units and has been certified Diamond (10x Platinum) by the RIAA for shipments of 10 million copies in the United States. Earlier releases like Siamese Dream (1993) peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and earned 4x Platinum certification from the RIAA, reflecting over four million units shipped domestically. Adore (1998) reached number two on the Billboard 200, marking one of the band's highest chart entries alongside Mellon Collie. Later albums such as Zeitgeist (2007), which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, received Gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units shipped. In the singles market, the band notched several mainstream hits during the 1990s boom, with "1979" peaking at number 12 on the in 1996 and "" reaching number 22 the prior year. Tracks like "Today" (peaking at #4) and "" (peaking at #8) were successful on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, establishing the Pumpkins as radio staples of the era. More recent efforts, including "" from Adore, climbed to number 42 on the Hot 100 while topping charts. The band's commercial trajectory in the streaming era has sustained their relevance, with albums like Cyr (2020) and ATUM (2023) generating millions of streams on platforms such as , contributing to over 14 million monthly listeners as of November 2025. Cyr peaked at number 86 on the , while ATUM entered at number 111, buoyed by digital consumption. Their 2024 release Aghori Mhori Mei entered the at number 43, signaling continued international interest despite limited U.S. chart impact. Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (2018) debuted at number 54 on the but reached number eight on the Alternative Albums chart, highlighting niche endurance. Touring activity has periodically boosted sales, as seen with spikes following major reunions.

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  158. https://musicbrainz.org/release/11ea75a3-0327-4da3-af44-2e08b68ac6d6
  159. https://genius.com/albums/The-smashing-pumpkins/Judas-0
  160. https://www.discogs.com/master/48790-The-Smashing-Pumpkins-Greatest-Hits
  161. https://spcodex.wiki/Rotten_Apples
  162. https://www.allmusic.com/album/earphoria-mw0000319624
  163. https://www.discogs.com/master/451005-Smashing-Pumpkins-If-All-Goes-Wrong
  164. https://musicbrainz.org/release/e7e7d962-4fb7-4db8-aab3-acb3b652503b
  165. https://spcodex.wiki/Teargarden_by_Kaleidyscope_-_Vol._1:_Songs_for_a_Sailor
  166. https://www.ebay.com/itm/326527363594
  167. https://www.discogs.com/release/5431281-Smashing-Pumpkins-Oceania-Live-In-NYC
  168. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/smashing-pumpkins-monuments-to-an-elegy/
  169. https://archive.org/details/tsp1995-10-23
  170. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/09/05/Smashing-Pumpkins-win-7-MTV-awards/8393841896000/
  171. https://junoawards.ca/awards/past-winners-nominees/
  172. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1018757/awards/
  173. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/13200
  174. https://open.spotify.com/artist/40Yq4vzPs9VNUrIBG5Jr2i
  175. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/smashing-pumpkins-aghori-mhori-mei/
  176. https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-smashing-pumpkins/
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