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The Smashing Pumpkins

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Band Timeline

1988

Formation of The Smashing Pumpkins and First Performances

The Smashing Pumpkins were formed in Chicago in 1988 by Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar), James Iha (guitar), D'arcy Wretzky (bass), and Jimmy Chamberlin (drums). The band initially started with Corgan and Iha using a drum machine and performing their first show in July 1988. Soon after, bassist D'arcy Wretzky joined, and the band replaced the drum machine with live drummer Jimmy Chamberlin by October of the same year. This lineup formed the core of the band's early identity, merging psychedelic rock influences with alternative and gothic rock.
1991

Release of Debut Album 'Gish' and Initial Success

The Smashing Pumpkins released their debut album 'Gish' in 1991 to positive critical reception and underground success. The album's mix of heavy guitar textures, melodic songwriting, and dense sonic layers began defining their sound. 'Gish' established them as a promising band in the alternative rock scene during a time when the genre was gaining broader attention. This debut laid a foundation for their rise in the early 1990s alternative music movement.
1993

Breakthrough with 'Siamese Dream' Album

Their second album, 'Siamese Dream,' released in 1993, brought The Smashing Pumpkins widespread popularity and critical acclaim. Despite internal tensions and a challenging recording process, the album featured iconic tracks and a polished yet powerful sound blending heavy rock and melodic elements. It became a landmark album in the ’90s alternative rock genre and significantly increased the band's fan base, establishing them as one of the genre's leading acts.
1995

'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' Release and Peak Success

In 1995, The Smashing Pumpkins released their ambitious double album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album showcased their versatility across genres from heavy rock to ballads and progressive compositions. It was a commercial success, earning Diamond certification and yielding several hit singles. This period marked the peak of their mainstream success, cementing their influence and legacy in alternative rock.
1996

Tour Tragedy and Lineup Changes Following Drug Overdose Incident

During their 1996 tour, keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin overdosed on heroin in a hotel room; Melvoin died, and Chamberlin faced legal issues. Subsequently, Chamberlin was fired from the band. This tragic event deeply impacted the band's dynamics and reputation. Temporary replacements were brought in to complete the tour, although Billy Corgan later reflected that continuing the tour under those circumstances harmed the band’s music and public image.
1998

Release of 'Adore' and Exploration of New Sounds

The Smashing Pumpkins released their fourth album 'Adore' in 1998, marked by a shift towards a more electronic, gothic, and introspective sound, diverging from their earlier guitar-driven rock style. This album reflected the band's evolving artistic vision, influenced by personal struggles and lineup changes. While 'Adore' received mixed commercial response, it was critically appreciated for its depth, mood, and experimentation with new musical textures.
2000

Release of 'Machina' Albums and Band Breakup

In 2000, the band released a two-part project: 'Machina/The Machines of God' and the online-only 'Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music'. These albums revisited the band's heavier rock roots but experienced divided reception and diminishing sales compared to earlier works. Later that year, after touring and recording difficulties, Billy Corgan announced the band's disbandment. The Smashing Pumpkins played their final show of this era in December 2000 before entering a six-year hiatus.
2006

Reunion and Release of 'Zeitgeist'

In 2006, Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin reunited The Smashing Pumpkins and recorded the album 'Zeitgeist'. This reunion marked the band's return after six years of disbandment, featuring a new lineup with guitarist Jeff Schroeder. The album was well-received and supported by extensive touring in 2007 and 2008, signaling a revitalization of the band's presence in the rock scene.
2009-2014

Experimentation and 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' Project

Following drummer Chamberlin's departure in 2009, Corgan initiated the 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' project, releasing numerous singles and EPs with a rotating lineup. This period also included two full-length albums under the project’s umbrella: 'Oceania' (2012) and 'Monuments to an Elegy' (2014). These works represented an experimental era with diverse influences and showcased Corgan's role as the primary creative force amidst changing band dynamics.
2015-2018

Return of Chamberlin and Iha, and Release of 'Shiny and Oh So Bright'

In 2015, Jimmy Chamberlin rejoined as a touring member and was officially back in the band by 2018, alongside James Iha. This restored the classic core lineup with Billy Corgan. In 2018, the band released 'Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.', their first album with original members since the early 2000s. This marked a nostalgic but forward-looking chapter, blending their signature sound with contemporary rock elements.
2020-2024

Recent Releases and Continued Evolution

The Smashing Pumpkins released the album 'Cyr' in 2020, followed by the three-part rock opera 'Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts' across 2022 and 2023. In 2023, longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder departed from the band. The remaining members then released 'Aghori Mhori Mei' in 2024, signaling the band’s ongoing creativity and adaptation. Their longevity and continual evolution have solidified their legacy as pioneering and influential figures in alternative rock music.

Albums

the-smashing-pumpkins_1st_album
Gish
28 tracks
1991
the-smashing-pumpkins_2nd_album
Siamese Dream
13 tracks
1993
the-smashing-pumpkins_3rd_album
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
14 tracks
1995
the-smashing-pumpkins_4th_album
Adore
16 tracks
1998
the-smashing-pumpkins_5th_album
MACHINA/the machines of God
15 tracks
1999
the-smashing-pumpkins_6th_album
Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music
11 tracks
2000
the-smashing-pumpkins_7th_album
Zeitgeist
12 tracks
2007
the-smashing-pumpkins_8th_album
Oceania
13 tracks
2012
the-smashing-pumpkins_9th_album
Monuments to an Elegy
9 tracks
2014
the-smashing-pumpkins_10th_album
SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT, VOL. 1 / LP: NO PAST. NO FUTURE. NO SUN.
8 tracks
2018
the-smashing-pumpkins_11th_album
CYR
20 tracks
2020
the-smashing-pumpkins_12th_album
ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts
11 tracks
2022
the-smashing-pumpkins_13th_album
Aghori Mhori Mei
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

James Iha

2018

Background vocals

Katie Cole

2015

Keyboard

Additional

Billy Corgan

2006

Lead vocals

Electric guitar

James Iha

2018

Electric guitar

Jimmy Chamberlin

2006

Drums (drum set)

Jack Bates

2015

Additional

Bass guitar

Katie Cole

2015

Electric guitar

Additional

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jeff Schroeder

2007
2023

Electric guitar

Billy Corgan

1988
2000

Electric guitar

Lead vocals

Ginger Sling

2007
2010

Bass guitar

Mike Byrne

2009
2012

Drums (drum set)

Jimmy Chamberlin

1998
2000

Drums (drum set)

Jimmy Chamberlin

1988
1996

Drums (drum set)

James Iha

1988
2000

Background vocals

Electric guitar

D’Arcy Wretzky

1988
1999

Bass guitar

Melissa Auf der Maur

1999
2000

Bass guitar

Nicole Fiorentino

2010
2012

Bass guitar

Story of The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins: A Legacy of Alternative Rock

The Smashing Pumpkins, often shortened to simply "Pumpkins," are an American alternative rock powerhouse hailing from Chicago. Formed in 1988 by the enigmatic Billy Corgan (frontman and guitarist), D'arcy Wretzky (bassist), James Iha (guitarist), and Jimmy Chamberlin (drummer), the band has become synonymous with the 90s alt-rock scene. Despite numerous lineup changes since their 2006 reunion, Corgan remains the band's driving force, acting as primary songwriter and the only constant member since its inception. The current lineup features Corgan, Chamberlin, and Iha, showcasing a return to the band's classic roots.

The Pumpkins' sound is a dynamic blend of various rock subgenres, making them a force to be reckoned with. Their music incorporates elements of gothic rock, heavy metal, grunge, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, shoegaze, dream pop, and electronica, resulting in a densely layered and diverse sonic landscape that has evolved throughout their career.

Their debut album, Gish (1991), garnered underground acclaim, foreshadowing their explosive rise. The band truly cemented their status with their sophomore effort, Siamese Dream (1993), released amidst the burgeoning alternative rock wave. Despite a tumultuous recording process, the album became a critical darling, solidifying its place as one of the genre's defining works.

The Pumpkins continued to conquer the charts with their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). This double album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA, a testament to its colossal success. Critical acclaim showered the album, further solidifying the band's dominance.

Following the release of Adore (1998), the band embarked on a two-part project in 2000, Machina and Machina II, before ultimately disbanding due to internal conflicts, drug abuse, and waning commercial success by the late 90s.

The Smashing Pumpkins left an undeniable mark on the world of alternative rock, influencing countless artists and leaving behind a legacy of iconic albums and unforgettable songs that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

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