Billy Corgan, the eternal mastermind behind THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, has declared his intentions to be absolutely everywhere for the next two decades. Fresh off turning 58, Corgan has launched a new solo project, BILLY CORGAN AND THE MACHINES OF GOD, and a massive tour that will ensure you either love his music forever or succumb to extreme Pumpkin fatigue.
The “A Return to Zero” tour will kick off on June 7 and see Corgan revisiting some of his most celebrated (and, let’s be honest, confusing) works. Fans can expect to hear tracks from “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness,” “Machina/The Machines Of God,” “Machina II/The Friends & Enemies Of Modern Music,” and 2024’s “Aghori Mhori Mei.” But Corgan isn’t stopping there. In his own words: “I’ll be playing these songs in rap style, I’ll perform them the way I sing in the shower, and soon enough, I’ll launch a lullaby tour. If you think you can escape me, you’re wrong. I will make sure I’ve taken all your money and bored you to death.”
For this particular incarnation of his musical domination, Corgan has recruited recently added SMASHING PUMPKINS guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden, and bassist Kid Tigrrr (Jenna Fournier).
And, because one announcement is never enough for a man determined to occupy every corner of your life, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS have also confirmed a long-awaited and reworked release of the 2000 “Machina” albums. This 80-track behemoth includes 48 remixed and remastered tracks, along with 32 bonus cuts of demos, outtakes, and live performances. Where can you buy this? Exclusively at Madame Zuzu’s, Corgan’s own tea shop in Highland Park, Illinois. Because nothing says “rock ‘n’ roll” like sipping chamomile while debating which “Machina” era track was the most misunderstood.
Oh, and there’s more! The 30th anniversary of “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” will be celebrated with a world premiere event at the Lyric Opera in Chicago this November. That’s right—Corgan is bringing his brooding alt-rock masterpiece to the opera stage, ensuring that even the most highbrow of audiences won’t escape his grand plan.
If all this wasn’t enough, Corgan has also been busy with his podcast, “The Magnificent Others,” his presidency of the National Wrestling Alliance, various philanthropic efforts, and of course, ruling over his tea empire. “If you think I’ll stop after this, you’re dreaming,” Corgan hinted. “By the time I’m done, I’ll have performed at your wedding, your funeral, and in the background of every doctor’s waiting room in America.”
Tickets for the upcoming tour will be available for artist presale beginning Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, April 3 at 10:00 p.m. local time. Following the presale, the general onsale will begin Friday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Tour dates:
June 07 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
June 09 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
June 11 – Muskoka, ON @ Kee to Bala
June 12 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
June 13 – Montreal QC @ Beanfield Theatre
June 15 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
June 17 – Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall
June 19 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall
June 20 – Joliet, IL @ Taste of Joliet*
June 21 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
June 23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
June 25 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland
June 26 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
June 27 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest*
June 29 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
- Festival performance
#Billy Corgan is a vampire, #fake news, #Mellon Collie and infinite endless
