ReportWire

Tag: Billy Corgan

  • Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins Team Up on “Zombie”

    [ad_1]

    British rocker Yungblud is diving deeper into alternative rock history with a new collaboration alongside the Smashing Pumpkins. The two groups have teamed up for a reimagined version of Yungblud’s song “Zombie.” In less than two weeks, a new version of the song and a music video were completed. The new version leans darker and heavier than the original.

    Inspiration and Collaboration

    According to Yungblud, “Zombie” was initially inspired by the Smashing Pumpkins’ 1993 classic Siamese Dream. He said it was an album that helped shape his musical identity. While the original version of “Zombie” already carried emotional weight, Yungblud felt there was still something left to explore creatively. That curiosity led him to reach out directly to Billy Corgan. He spoke of the idea of pushing the track into more aggressive and atmospheric territory.

    The collaboration came together quickly. Within just ten days of their first conversation, Yungblud flew to Chicago to record both the song and its accompanying music video with the Smashing Pumpkins. The fast turnaround speaks to the shared creative energy between the artists and their mutual respect for each other’s work.

    Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins Darker Side of “Zombie”

    The new version of “Zombie” blends Yungblud’s raw emotional intensity with the layered heaviness the Smashing Pumpkins are known for, creating a sound that bridges generations of alternative rock fans. It’s a collaboration that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking — a reminder that rock music continues to evolve by honoring its past while pushing into new creative territory.

    Yungblud’s Previous Collaboration with Aerosmith

    The Smashing Pumpkins aren’t Yungblud’s first high-profile rock collaboration. He previously teamed up with Aerosmith on the track “My Only Angel,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, further cementing his place in modern rock’s evolving landscape.

    Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.

    [ad_2]

    Donielle Flynn

    Source link

  • Corgan Credits Wretzky’s Opinion as Key Factor in Smashing Pumpkins’ Early Success

    [ad_1]

    Billy Corgan acknowledged D’arcy Wretzky’s contributions to the Smashing Pumpkins in a video posted to Substack. He said her opinion mattered more than other band members’ during the group’s formative years. The frontman reflected on the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, an album Wretzky played on before leaving in 1999.

    MELANCHOLY AND I: 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR by ORANGE FADES TO GRAY

    A recording from ORANGE FADES TO GRAY’s live video

    Read on Substack

    “D’arcy had a way of kind of letting it be known — stuff that she thought was moving the band forward, or moving the band laterally, or moving the band backwards,” Corgan said, according to Ultimate Guitar. “And probably, of the four of us, her opinion about those types of things carried more weight.”

    The comments mark a shift, as there have been tensions between the two musicians in the past. Corgan admitted he doesn’t talk much about D’arcy Wretzky’s role because of their 2018 dispute over the band’s reunion, which excluded the bassist. That public feud included accusations from Wretzky that Corgan misled her about participation.

    “Her contribution, kind of spiritually, emotionally, I think, had a lot to do with the success of the band,” Corgan continued. “So again, I would never take that away from her, because I really did respect her musical opinion. We managed to disagree about everything else, but in music, when we would align, it was powerful.”

    Corgan pointed to the chemistry of the four-person lineup that made three records between 1992 and 1997. Two of those three albums proved significant in the band’s history.

    “It’s a shame there wasn’t more of it, and we certainly did try again in ’99,” the musician said. “I look at those years between ’92 and ’96, ’97, you know, it was the alignment of the four people that really made for the music having that little bit of extra edge, that little bit extra clarification, or even if you want to call it a collective voice.”

    D’arcy Wretzky left the Smashing Pumpkins before the release of 2000’s Machina/The Machines of God, though she received credit for bass on the record. Melissa Auf der Maur joined on bass before the group disbanded in December 2000 for six years.

    [ad_2]

    Dan Teodorescu

    Source link

  • Billy Corgan Lauds D’Arcy Wretzky’s Influence Amid Smashing Pumpkins’ 30th Anniversary Celebration

    [ad_1]

    In a recent Substack video, Billy Corgan shifted his stance on former bandmate D’Arcy Wretzky. His October 26 comments marked a stark switch from past conflicts.

    “D’Arcy had a way of letting it be known — stuff that she thought was moving the band forward, or moving the band laterally, or moving the band backwards. And probably, of the four of us, her opinion about those types of things carried more weight,” said Corgan.

    “Her contribution, spiritually, emotionally, I think, had a lot to do with the success of the band. So again, I would never take that away from her, because I really did respect her musical opinion,” Corgan added.

    This marks a big shift in tone. Back in 2018, he dismissed the idea of working with her again. As the band’s bass player until 1999, Wretzky shaped their sound through multiple albums. Her final work came on Machina II/The Friends & Enemies Of Modern Music in 2000.

    The bass slot saw many changes after her exit. First came Melissa Auf Der Maur, who stayed until their 2000 pause. The 2006 comeback brought a mix of players. Ginger Reyes, Mark Tulin, Nicole Fiorentino, Mark Stoermer, and Sierra Swan all took turns. Now, Jack Bates, son of Joy Division’s Peter Hook, handles bass duties on tour.

    Next month brings a special treat, the 30th birthday edition of Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness. The package includes 80 fresh minutes of 1996 concert tracks, plus extras like a fancy book, tarot cards, and seven art prints.

    Buyers can pick from 6 vinyl records, 4 CDs, or digital files. The Super Deluxe set comes with Corgan’s signature. On Facebook, Billy wrote, “I’m just so excited for this. A dream come true.”

    [ad_2]

    Laura Adkins

    Source link