STUDY HALL:
Smashing Pumpkins
As we all know and love, the Smashing Pumpkins have a very distinctive sound that sets them apart from most of the other grunge bands to hit the scene in the 90's. Their sound mixes 70's rock with introspective melodies that compel you to travel back to 1990 and feel the vibe all over again.
Billy Corgan was born on March 17th, 1967 and grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. His early years were filled with a lot of bouncing back and forth between families and a lot of heartache. His father was an R&B guitarist who put food on the table by performing at various gigs. Corgan found solace and meaning to his unstable home-life by drowning himself in music, one band being an infinite influence on him was The Cure. After graduating from high school, Corgan moved back in with his biological father who fine tuned his skills as a guitarist and was determined to one day become a rock star.
In 1987, Corgan moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with his band at the time, The Marked. The Marked was a goth band trying to hit it big outside of the Chicago scene. However, that adventure didn't last long and he was soon back in Chicago without a dime to his name. This sent Corgan into a deep depression, which at the time was very concerning, but would ultimately be the breaking point for the Smashing Pumpkins. During this time, Corgan would write some of songs we know and love today.
Soon after overcoming his depression-coma-like state, Corgan met James Iha who shared Corgan's musical vision. They played in a local Polish Club for about a year until Corgan met D'Arcy Wretzky who would soon make the Smashing Pumpkins a trio.
In the beginning, an electronic drum machine was used as the three played guitar. It wasn't until a manager at one of the biggest clubs in Chicago, The Metro, told them to get a human drummer if they wanted to play there. This crucial time in history prompted Corgan to recruit Jimmy Chamberlin on drums and would set the Pumpkins up to follow acts such as Jane's Addiction.
In the early 1990's, "I Am One" was released as a single and was a huge hit on the underground indie scene, leading to Sub Pop releasing another single titled "Tristessa", which was heavily played on every college radio station at that time.
If you weren't living under a rock in the late 90's, you're well aware that the Pumpkins were the hottest grunge band in the country. The Pumpkins worked a deal with Virgin Records and luckily for all of us, we were given "Gish". "Gish" was titled after a silent movie actress named Lillian Gish.
After the release of "Gish" in 1991, The Pumpkins had their first world tour. I was living in California at the time and had the privilege of catching a show on this tour as well as when they headlined Lollapalooza (Nirvana was suppose to headline this tour). I can honestly say, I've never seen a show that has topped those experiences in my life yet. I keep the tickets and pictures pressed between a Frida Kahlo book, tucked safely in my coffee table drawer.
Unfortunately, as many rock star storybooks begin, all of the touring took a toll on the band. D'Arcy and James who had been dating, broke up, Chamberlin began over indulging in many adult beverages and illegal substances and Corgan simply began to lose it when he smashed all of his equipment during a set during the Reading Festival in 1992.
Once again, Corgan retreated to a solitary depressed state locked up in his room located somewhere in Chicago and gave birth to "Siamese Dream". When "Siamese Dream" was released, many changes were taking place within the band. Chamberlain had to be admitted into rehab and Corgan had to seek professional help for the demons fighting in his head. Even with all the debacles, "Siamese Dream" was an astronomical success hitting platinum leading to the Pumpkins hitting the road for another world tour.
At this time, everything the Pumpkins put their mark on was golden and "Mellon Collie..." wasn't any different. In fact, the various melodies of piano and styles on this album, especially in "1979", still give me goose bumps when I listen to it. It was the first album that Corgan loosened the reigns and gave D'Arcy and James creative freedom to sing and co-write some of the songs.
Unfortunately, on July 12, 1996, the success and fame took a toll and Melvoin (keyboards) overdosed on Red Rum, a type of heroin popular during that time. Chamberlin was also with him and eventually called for help when he finally awoke from his comatose-like state. This incident would ultimately mark the end of Chamberlain's run with the Pumpkins and the beginning for Matt Walker and Dennis Fleming on keyboards.
The beginning of 1997 brought more changes for the group. James and D'Arcy started Scratchie Records, the Pumpkins recorded a couple of songs for the Batman & Robin soundtrack and James released his solo debut, "Let It Come Down". Following these events, the release of "Adore" was simply not as successful as the previous albums and generated some pretty shabby reviews. With the reappearance of Chamberlain and acquiring bassist Melissa auf der Maur (Hole) who replaced D'Arcy, and the announcement that the band would be dissolved, the Pumpkins went on a farewell tour in 2000. On December 2, 2000, the Pumpkins played a final show at the Metro, the club in Chicago where it all began.
If the official announcement of the bands dissolvement hit you as hard as it did me, you can probably relate to the joy that I felt when it was announced that Corgan would play guitar with New Order on various tour dates. Even more so, the joy of when Corgan and Chamberlin teamed up and brought us Zwan.
Now in 2007, as I sit here writing this and listening to Zeitgeist, I can't help to wonder how time can pass us by so fast, albeit thankful to have the memories I have to some of the greatest music ever written.
- Kris with a "K"
Guidance Counselor, The Edge 101
Kris with a "K" on MySpace
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