Q&A: Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins

The alt-rock vet on his band's triumphant return, new album, and promising future.
Billy Corgan

Seven years after their implosion under the weight of ego clashes, drug abuse, and a lack of musical focus, the Smashing Pumpkins reformed with just two original members -- guitarist-vocalist Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain -- and were lambasted for cashing in on their legacy with the release of 2007's actually-pretty-good

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SPIN.com's Best of the Week

Smashing Pumpkins, Flaming Lips, and the National rock SPIN25. Plus: Bush, Paramore, Best Coast, and more.

This week, SPIN celebrated its 25th anniversary with a week-long series of concerts in New York City, including memorable gigs from the Smashing Pumpkins, the National, the Flaming Lips, and the Black Keys.

Smashing Pumpkins Launch Tour in Cleveland

In the first of 15 dates with his new band, Billy Corgan reprises his arena-sized sound.
Smashing Pumpkins / Photo by Ivor Karabatkovic

The Smashing Pumpkins that kicked off their new tour at Cleveland's sweltering House of Blues Tuesday night aren't the same Smashing Pumpkins you know and love. But for parts of the 20-song, two-hour-plus show, it didn't matter.

LISTEN: Smashing Pumpkins Release New Song!

Hear "Freak," a poppy single from Billy Corgan and Co.
Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins / Photo courtesy <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thesmashingpumpkins/" target="_new">thesmashingpumpkins/</a>

Smashing Pumpkins just dropped the fifth song, "Freak," from their planned 44-track album Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, and it's a union of Billy Corgan's greatest traits: emotional pop-rock songwriting and heavy guitar heroics. Listen below!

Smashing Pumpkins Triumph Over Hecklers in Debut

Billy Corgan powers a strong set at L.A.'s Viper Room, despite cutting it short because of crowd chatter.
Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan / Photo by Andrew Herrold

Billy Corgan debuted his leaner, meaner Smashing Pumpkins on Wednesday night, roaring through a scintillating 80 minutes of songs old and new before ending the set nonplussed, a ukulele in his hand.

LISTEN: Passion Pit Cover Smashing Pumpkins!

Boston indie-poppers transform "Tonight, Tonight" into a waterfall of keyboard melodies and helium-high vocals.
Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos

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