Smashing Pumpkins Artist Information
Smashing Pumpkins brought grunge rock to a whole new level in 1993 with the album Siamese Dream. While trying to keep up with the success of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins separated themselves by incorporating a more 70s rock sound influenced by Queen, Boston and ELO. Siamese Dream reached #4 on the Billboard charts and sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. The album seamlessly switched from hard to soft —Today had an upbeat tempo, but contained dark lyrics reflecting lead singer Billy Corgan's battle with depression. Cherub Rock focused on Jimmy Chamberlin's powerful drum skills while Sweet Sweet showcased Corgan's softer side.
The group followed up with the enormously successful Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, a two-disc set that included 1979, Tonight, Tonight and Zero. The album debuted at #1, went platinum nine times and won a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance with Bullet with Butterfly Wings.
In 1996, the band hit a low point when Chamberlin and keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin overdosed on heroin. Melvoin died while Chamberlin was fired. Two years later, Smashing Pumpkins came back strong with Adore which hit #2 but wasn't nearly as big as Mellon Collie. Chamberlin returned to the band and in 2000, they released MACHINA/The Machines of God, which focused more on hooky-guitar riffs. Around the same time, Corgan announced the band was breaking up by the end of 2003.
Smashing Pumpkins fans had reason to celebrate in 2007 when Corgan and Chamberlin returned to the studio for Zietgiest and announced a reunion tour. There's no telling how long the group will tour and stay together, so purchase your Smashing Pumpkins tickets today from TickCo.
Enjoy the show!