Now in Chicago

Is Billy Corgan a Genius?

As I continue to work through the haze that was Tuesday night’s Pumpkins concert in Chicago, I am discovering that Billy’s antics just may have been intentional by design.

Reports from each of the cities that the new “Smashing Pumpkins” have all been the same, Billy tweaks in the end.

So, is Billy a marketing genius? Because the Pumpkins have been out of the limelight for so long, is he bum-rushing the fans with angst, hate, and self-loathing in hopes of regaining the respect of his fans? Is he going over-the-top alter-punk-asshole so that he can show that he has not sold out? Or, is he just going out with a bang, spitting on the very people that have enabled him to reap the rewards of super stardom and then riding off into the sunset as the uber-punk? I don’t know, but if I had to guess, I would say he is a marketing genius. Nothing stems curiosity more than angst and controversy. Fans want to be appreciated, or do they? They most likely like to be spit on.

Regardless, Billy has re-launched his brand and the Internet is bursting with Smashing Pumpkins news, blogs, and comment threads since his tour started. Time will tell if the new “asshole” status will convert into record sales. Stay tuned…

In the meantime, wanna see some "real music" I found? Check out Adam Stern's new video, War...this is some hot stuff coming out of Cali!

Billy and the New Pumpkins, no Longer Smashing

I left the Smashing Pumpkins concert feeling confused and abused. Sorry folks, the Smashing Pumpkins have not been revived. They are simply Billy and the New Pumpkins; not to be confused with the band we fell in love with in the 90s.

Pumpkins Show at the Chicago Theater
I have been pumped for a couple of weeks to watch Billy thrash on his guitar, and thrash he did, but it was not what I has hoping for, not even close.

Nestled high up in balcony 4 of the Chicago theater, my curious stare was mounted on Billy as he went off in a haze of clouded riffs and indiscernible lyrics. Billy and the New Pumpkins concert in Chicago last night was a bad trip that got worse as the show went on. Utter amazement drenched my spirit as I watched someone who used to be a kick-ass guitarist turn into a whinny punk that was not performing for the crowd, but for something entirely different (I have yet to figure it out).

It was the final moments of the concert that encapsulated where Billy and his new band stand with their new focus. Billy actually scolded the audience. His tirade, stemming from static sales and poor reviews, stretched for far too long. He spit his angst at fans for their disinterest in him, his new band, and his new sound (Which he based on demographic reports, seriously, he mentioned demographic report. Chicago does not love you because we don't by records? We have not even heard from the Pumpkins in years.).

Fans wanted the old Pumkpins; straight-shooting heavy shit that made our heads bob. Billy and the New Pumpkins no longer Smash. Instead, they provide floating riffs, poor lyrics, and ego-driven diatribe. And, finally ended the night, not with a heavy-hitting jam session, but with Kazoos. That's right folks, Kazoos.

Billy lost me at "hello". My beloved Pumpkins no longer Smashing like they used and I am moving on.I will not be going to another Billy and the New Pumpkins concert. Without the Smashing, there is no Pumpkins.

A final note to Billy: By simply adding a female Bassist and an Asian Guitarist, you do not re-create Darcy and James; failed attempt. And, Billy, check the thread on the Tribune site...GO NOW

On second thought, good this just be GENIUS MARKETING? Wanna see some "real music" I found? Check out Adam Stern's new video, War...this is some hot stuff coming out of Cali!