Review: Smashing Pumpkins, Day 1

 

Above: Billy Corgan (right) serenades a nearly full Midland crowd Monday night. Photos by Timothy Finn/The Star

Billy Corgan wasn't feeling well Monday night. Fans who attended the meet-and-greet before Monday's show at the Midland by AMC said he sounded under the same weather that prompted his band to postpone a show Saturday night in Chicago.

 

Above: Corgan and keyboardist Lisa Harriton.

Once he and his band hit the Midland stage (around 8:20 p.m.) and started performing, Corgan sounded slightly hoarse and mildly afflicted -- enough to briefly mention how poorly he felt, but not enough to call in sick.

His sickness shortened the setlist (it differed from the pre-show list by one encore) but it didn't affect his mood or temperament, which was prickly as usual. But more on that later. The Pumpkins are in town for a two show/two night engagement at the Midland. This version of the Pumpkins includes only two original members, Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin, who would open the show with a drum solo he calls "Roctopus." I suppose if there's any place for a drum solo in a rock show, it's the opening number -- as fans are still filing into the room and settling into their seats.

 

Then Corgan and the rest of the Pumpkins took the stage, he in a gaudy, gold headdress and pleated white dress, and sang part of the Searchers' "Everybody Come Clap," which includes the lyric: "I don't care what you do / As long as you dance and move ..." There wasn't a lot of that this evening from a crowd that mostly stood or sat and watched. (The chairs on the floor didn't help.)

After that, the band did what it has been doing throughout this 20th anniversary tour: taking longtime fans on a voyage through its lesser-known material. Anyone expecting the Pumpkins' versions of hits either hasn't been reading the band's Web site or was hoping for a pardon from the norm. Monday's setlist (below) was pre-packaged -- nearly the same set they played Friday in Chicago and at other shows on this tour.

 

Above: Billy bangs the timpani. He would later rake his guitar over them.

It included some better-known tracks, like "Siva" (which rocked) and "Tonight," and two concessions to those who were hungry for the hits: "Today" and "Bullet With Butterfly Wings." Corgan, however, couldn't completely hide his disdain for the favor he was committing. Unsatisfied with the sing-along response to "Today," he stopped playing and chided the crowd -- his paying customers -- with a short lecture on how he was doing this for them and he really deserved a better response. (Then I get a text: 'What a d**k!!") It worked. The second take was thunderous.

 

The Pumpkins on this tour are Corgan, Chamberlin, the fill-in Pumpkins (Lisa Harriton, Jeff Schroeder and Ginger Reyes) and four backup musicians, including horn players. They sounded lean and tight and whipped into shape. At times, Corgan and Schroeder were wickedly impressive on lead guitars.

The acoustics were an issue most of the night. The volume was way up, so things got muddy and murky during the heavier, roaring numbers, like "Tarantula." It was best during the acoustic numbers; it was at its worst during the long and epic cover of Pink Floyd's "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun," which included, I think, some work on the theremin  by Schroeder. That song ended the formal set and started a heavy trickle of fans out the doors.

They'd return for one encore, "We Only Come Out at Night," in which the band played kazoos. I never thought I'd use the word "cute" in a Pumpkins review, but it was that -- a rare show of levity. They'll return to the Midland tonight. Expect a different set list, but the same aversion to the best-known. These shows are not for the casual fans.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[bob]

Bill the Chill has been bitching about how fans on this tour want to hear the old hits. Yet, he comes out wearing the same stupid Zero shirt he was wearing back in 1996.

[what up]

may I ask, who texted you? ... that apart of your review is .. curious.

And if people responded to his lecture, maybe he was correct ... I dont know ..
I fired this band after they played some fest at Sandstones years ago, and we went just to see them, and they bored us to tears.
I expected a rockshow .. and they ... well .. bored us to tears.

[Mo]

The gaudy headdress doesn't look so gaudy in these pictures.

[Tim Finn]

That was one of several texts I got regarding the behavior of William C. That one in particular came from someone who is part of the music "industry." The point: Don't insult your paying customers.

[BacktoRockville]

He only wore the head piece for one song. (And I couldn't get close enough to snap a good photo.)

[Karisa]

The sound really was terrible on the loud numbers. And it was super hot in the theater - I had to go outside a few times to cool off and keep myself from passing out.

This concert is payback for me dragging my boyfriend to the Coldplay show. We are also going to the SP show tonight. I wish Coldplay had been in town two nights, the trade-off would have been a little more equitable. I appreciated the music and the theater - I hadn't been to the Midland yet. But I have to admit, I was bored too. I also really wasn't into SP when I was growing up, but still, the show wasn't terribly exciting to me.

[what up]

THX, UdaMAN TF.
always great info.

[hot rod rally]

You probably shouldn't expect a 'rockshow' from a shoegazing band. Its just not going to happen. As far as casual fans are concerned . . . fine, don't come. I would rather not be bothered with people there to relive jr. high,all sweaty and rude (anyone go to Chris Cornell last year?).

The shirt? Fine its similar. So is his haircut. I hear Neil Young still wears jeans (oh no!)- but he continues to be relevant (but don't mistake me- I'm not trying to bolster the relvance, or lack thereof, of the pumpkins to the mainstream). . . the dress is new, however, and still suspect.

I for one am happy that he hasn't rehashed the hits. Lends some proof to his argument that he still has the creative spirit that drives an artist.

And while we're mentioning the casual fan- the new DVD "if all goes wrong" is once again not your cup of tea. few recognizable hits, but interesting nonetheless. Pretty good interview with Pete Townsend, as well as a pretty scathing review of the general music review media (generally aimed at SF).

Peace!

[BacktoRockville]

Someone at the pre-show meet/greet said Billy started really going off on a music industry rant -- as in, it's dead -- but stopped to save his voice.
Anyway, I'm all for evolution and reinvention and nourishment of the creative spirit, but not completely at the expense of what came before. I'm not convinced that a 15-minute Pink Floyd cover -- even as epic as theirs was -- proves relevance or demonstrates creativity. It shows off musical prowess but that's for fans of Rush and Tool, no?

[onthemark]

Smashing Pumpkins? I LOVE doing that!

[what up]

LOL,
ur..on the mark ... AGAIN:)

PS
considering Billy threw out heroin drummerboy after the hotel death incident, and now he is back and doing this tour using an old name, with new people he does not have a lot of room to talk.

[Michael]

Great show overall, despite a couple of rambling songs (United States in particular, that was quite a clunker). IMHO, "Set the Controls" was quite inventive, but the song just stretched on into infinity.
Yup, the sound in Balcony 1 was pretty awful on the louder songs (bass was maxed across the board), but was quite excellent during the acoustic bit.
I enjoyed the show overall, but was quite disappointed with the lack of anything resembling a cohesive setlist- ending the show with a (yes, it was epic) gargantuan cover really wore down the audience- I saw dozens leaving early.
Well, despite all his rage, Billy's just another rat on the stage, eh?

[Scott]

I enjoyed the show, I was never a die-hard fan but liked the hits and I am sure there are a few SP's albums around the house. Couple things I liked, first thing first, billy played sick, played a little over 2 hours sick, thats awesome. The band played what they wanted to play, I respect that too, maybe I didnt hear all the hits but the odds and ends are nice, I liked everything I heard. As for 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun' you know the really long odd song toward the end, very very cool, I would guess thats a nod to the late Richard Wright, thanks billy, that was special!

[lucas]

Corgan's behavior shines best under the microscope the public/media puts him under. Take away the expectation for him to do something obscene and he's no different than any other ego-driven front man. Those of you that went to the Cure at Starlight can remember the drawn out instrumentals giving Robert SMith's voice a break. Corgan's bandmates spelled him the same way, which deserves some consideration when doling out criticism of long covers. In my humble opinion, the drawn out numbers were taking away from other material I'd like to have purchased for the $60 ticket price. Fluffing the set w/ filler for a total of 2 1/2 hours borders on a rip off. B.C.'s comments during the Today sing along were tongue in cheek if you ask me, but the hypersensitivity of his critics won't let that one go. Tim's probably still waiting for Billy to take his size 13 off his fingers. As for the question posed here a while back: When does a reunion constitute a reunion vs. musicians playing the songs of a band long gone? Smashing pumpkins is corgan and corgan is smashing pumpkins. B.C. brought along an able-bodied group of backups that bolstered the sound of the band. Purists will always argue that Iha and D'arcy are vital though. The show I saw last nigth vs. the shows I've seen w/ them included didn't miss their absence. All in all I left satisfied, wishing I wasn't leaving town adn could attend this evenings festivities. Corgan's mood was much lighter than previous tours and he appears to not be taking himself so seriously these days.

[Tim Finn]

The Pink Floyd number has been long and drawn out all tour, not just since Billy got sick.

His comment about bloggers and his size 13 shoes sounded like something Toby Keith used to say. How un-Obama of you, Billy.

And his 'rant' last night was pretty typical, too, but relatively mild, compared to what was in the Tribune account of the Chicago show on Friday.

"And then it all ended in deflating weirdness, with Corgan ranting on the microphone while the crowd filtered out wondering what happened. After a rousing first half, the momentum ebbed and flowed, and then finally nose-dived.

"Why are you upset with us?" Corgan said. "It's 'cause we don't do what you want us to do. … We don't know what the [expletive] you want from us."

[Jennifer]

So waaay back in 1991 (I think) I went to a Red Hot Chili Peppers show here in KC where the openers were the Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. I was doing a review of it for my high school newspaper and remember making several comments in my article about what an arrogant jerk the lead singer of the Smashing Pumpkins was. And this was BEFORE fame got to him...

[pete]

Seen this band at least 5 times live back when they were in their heyday. Lollapalooza, opening for Jane's Addiction, etc. etc.

Billy went off on some whiny rant EVERY show, complaining that the crowd wasn't showing enough excitement, telling the people in the front rows to get the fukk out and give their ticket to someone in the back who actually gave a shit about seeing him play....

Sorry, but the truth is, they suck live. Jimmy Chamberlain, while a great drummer in studio, has rushed every song I've ever seen him perform live. The sound was always horrible and Billy...well, his stage persona is just unbearable.

If the crowd's not going wild for ya billy, there's probably a reason....YOU ARE SUCKING!!!

[Tim Finn]

In his defense: Billy was very cool during a phone interview before a show at Memorial Hall within the past five years or so. He was also cool during an in-store/signing thing the Pumpkins did in Streetside Records in Lawrence -- before a show at the Granada(!), which was so loud it still hurts.

[greenman]

Dude looks just like the creepy eyesinthepalmofhishands guy from Pans Labirynth. Weird.

[Jason]

Finn: "Anyone expecting the Pumpkins' versions of hits either hasn't been reading the band's Web site or was hoping for a pardon from the norm."

Have YOU been reading the band's website, sir? They are playing two completely different sets over two nights - but you only make vague allusion to this fact, and in doing so you use the negative connotation of the term "pre-packaged".

But here's where you really drop the ball: contained across the two sets are ALL of the band's best-known songs. I repeat: EVERY ONE of the band's best-known songs is being played over the course of the two nights, including: “1979″, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”, “Today”, “Tonight, Tonight”, “Disarm”, “Cherub Rock”, “Zero”, and “Ava Adore”. Several of their lesser-known singles, like “Landslide”, “Eye”, and “Tarantula”, are included across the two nights as well.

If you don't like the two-night format, Mr. Finn -- if you think the two-night format does a disservice to people who only go to one show -- have the nerve to come out and say that. Don't falsely accuse a band of not playing their hits when they are playing ALL of their hits. Don't deny a band the honor they deserve for working up two long, unique setlists for their more serious fans.

And why do I have the feeling that virtually any other band to roll through Kansas City would garner praise from you if they did this? What if the Rolling Stones came through to play two nights, exploring their catalog in depth and playing every one of their biggest hits in the process? You'd be worshipping them. Why is this different?

[greenman]

Billy, is that you? Why are you calling yourself Jason and beating up on our local rock critic (get it, he's "critical" sometimes)?

[GONZO]

Tim's just pissed cause Billy said he wanted to smash his fingers under his size 13 boots.

[Gig Vet]

This band has always been a mess on stage. Forever trying to create some ethereal wall of sound but instead just creating dreck. Corgan has always fancied himself some sort of misunderstood rock and roll pariah, when in truth he's just an average songwriter and a boring performer with a really shitty attitude.

I also find it funny he's still wearing the same shirt he had on 12 years ago.

[greenman]

Billy - is that you man? Why are you calling yourself Jason and beating up on our local critic (get it, he's "critical" sometimes)?

Um, there are a lot of reasons why the punkin's doing this and the Stones doing the same thing are different, starting with, well, they're the Rolling Stones, and the punkin's aren't.

[James]

I'm not a giant SP fan, but generally enjoy their music. Billy has always been a pretentious ass, but I think this review takes his comments last night too seriously. I think that his choice of words and the tone of delivery made it very clear that he was being playfully sarcastic. I'd imagine that those people that were bothered by his comments are the same ones that didn't "get" the Metallica radio spots with the tongue in cheek City/Venue names inserted into a prerecorded ad.

As for the show, I was quite impressed with the performances and came away thinking that I didn't remember Billy being that good on guitar. The Midland is a nice theather, but they pack the seats way too close and apparently don't think that A/C might be necessary in a theater full of people and a bunch of heat-generating band gear.

[Jason]

Maybe the "local critic" wouldn't be so "local" if he were better at his job. See, the critics in big cities hate Billy Corgan too, but they're good enough at their jobs to where they don't have to misrepresent Corgan in order to bash him. They just come out and say what they really think. They don't make up a bunch of malarkey about hits not being played.

If the problem is that the Pumpkins aren't the Stones and will never be the Stones, you know, bring it on, say openly that you're old. But let's have the facts straight first -- you know, journalism 101? The hits are being played and the band is performing 45 or so songs over two nights. Say that first, and then get to the part about how Billy Corgan is attitudinal -- oh, what a horrible personality trait for a rock star...

[BacktoRockville]

The set lists are formatted. The two we'll get here are identical or nearly identical to others on the tour. I have no problem with that. Everyone does it. It makes it easier for the production crew.

Last night's set was much heavier on the lesser-known stuff than tonight's will be -- assuming it's the same second-night shows they've done elsewhere.

So yes each night you get a few hits; you get more if you go to two shows. Seven hits or near-hits over two nights isn't a lot; but it'll do. And you can get it if you have $120-plus and five hours to spend.

I give them credit for doing two different shows but you can switch it up and play a lot of hits at both. I saw Garth do it nine times in a row. And I'm not necessarily saying they must play the hits -- we've debated that here extensively.

You can also explore your catalog and still give fans songs they're familiar with. (Like R.E.M. playing "Gardening At Night" the last time I saw them.)

But fans should have known coming in they wouldn't get more than three or four per night because the setlists are posted. So anyone who grumbles should have been forewarned.

And by the way, liked most of the show. I'd have liked more if the sound had been better. And I'm looking even more forward to tonight because I like the setlist more.

[BacktoRockville]

I don't see how the Stones are relevant to any of this.

I didn't take Billy all that "seriously," but I do think there's a more diplomatic way of getting more noise out of a crowd than by getting annoyed and acting like you're doing them a favor. When I went to hip-hop shows that would annoy the hell out of me: rappers dissing the crowd for not being enthusiastic.

[Jason]

Your review gives a rather negative impression of a show you "liked most of" -- and if you need proof of that, read through the comments above where you are being congratulated by people who write as though they live to see anything and everything torn down.

The review also makes it sound like the band is blithely avoiding hit songs, even though you know they aren't. Maybe the Smashing Pumpkins have a different philosophy than does Garth Brooks -- and that might be something to discuss, you know, in the review itself. But I'm not sure that the Pumpkins don't come off better than Brooks in that comparison, and if the point of the entire enterprise is to be edgy and bash "Sir William the Ass of Holiness", then making sober comparisons doesn't help matters much, does it?

But I'll give you this: you become reasonable once you run into informed opposition. Maybe you're just counting on your readership not to know a whole lot...and most critics do count on that, don't they?

[Smart Alex]

In picture #4, is Billy hitting himself in the head with mallots? How very "tortured artist" of him.

[BacktoRockville]

You got that wrong. I learned a long time ago that hardcore fans know a lot more than most writers/critics. And I always assume they're out there.

As fof the show: "They sounded lean and tight and whipped into shape. At times, Corgan and Schroeder were wickedly impressive on lead guitars."

So the only issue is with the few number of "hits" on the setlist that night, and Billy's reaction to the crowd's lack of reaction.

And it's no news that he is temperamental, is it?

[chris]

ummm if you are a fan of the pumpkins, songs such as "Maynonaise", are hits.

[john]

Billy has earned the right to play whatever he wants on stage. He isnt catering to the casual fan and good for him. Most of the critics who bash him don't know how to write songs or play music at all anyway. He is an amazing, creative guitarist tired of playing the same songs that he has played for 20 years now. That is why there are amazing new songs, which of course werent mentioned in the review. I like that he plays rare and new stuff and real pumpkins fans do too.

[Patty]

I have always been a diehard fan since Gish came out, and sadly enough this was the only time that I got to see them. Personally, I thought the show was amazing. We were in the balcony below the Chandelier Bar, and the view was great. The sound up there was excellent. After seeing the show I really don't understand what the bitching and moaning is about. The setlist was great, and though there were some songs that I would like to have heard that didn't make the cut that's to be expected. This band released 5 amazing albums so there was no way everything was going to get played. As far as the chiding the audience I think it was more of a joke than anything else.

[Joe]

He's wearing the Zero shirt out of homage to the past...with a wink and a smirk. You read a little to far into things.

[Chris]

Where to begin? First off his "chiding" of the audience is very much an inside joke in the Pumpkins world, it's very tounge-in-cheek and he has been doing it for 20 years. It's a jab at the critics. Any "casual" fans, and by that I mean those who have only listened to SP when it plays on the radio, won't get it and some of the poor schmucks will actually take him seriously (he doesn't even take himself seriously).

Secondly, it's a 20th anniversary tour so unlike album related tours you're not going to get a "related" set list, he's touching a little bit from all SP albums/eras:
"I Am One" is a hit from "Gish"
"Today" is a hit from "Siamese Dream"
"Tonight, Tonight" and "BWBW" are hits from "MCIS"
"Tarantula" is a hit from "Zeitgiest."
The only 2 albums that he didn't play radio hits from were "Adore" and "Machina," but I'm sure he'll touch on those tonight.

The anniverssary tour is geared towards hardcore Pumpkins fans, it's the same type of show they've been putting on for over 20 years. We're more than happy to welcome casual fans to join us at the shows, but don't expect the band to change 20 years of habit/success just for the few of you. They were the most successful alternative band of the 90s for a reason.

As far as the "real" Pumpkins, they are Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. The others were invited to join, forgiving past discretions, they chose not to. You can't stop the force because of that, sure they could change the name, but the music would still be SP. I seem to recall that Van Halen changed LEAD SINGERS!!!!

If those of you that are critical don't like the Pumpkins, then why spend the money to go to the show? If you haven't listened to a band in over 7-10 years how can you possibly expect the same music, are you the same as yourself 10 years ago?

[Beavis]

Corgan is probably one of the most underrated guitar players out there. He has a soloing style all his own, and he shreds! I thought the show last night was great as I heard songs I never thought I'd hear live, like "The Beginning is the End is the Beginning" and "Eye". Those 2 made my night.

And for those of us who don't care to know tonight's setlist ahead of time, maybe you should think twice before posting spoilers without notice, JERKS!

Btw, I thought Finn's review sounded fine. A casual fan probably wouldn't have liked the show last night, and I think his review reflects that.

[Gary Oldman]

Jennifer wrote: "So waaay back in 1991 (I think) I went to a Red Hot Chili Peppers show here in KC where the openers were the Pumpkins and Pearl Jam."

You're thinking right; it was 1991. I saw that show in Kalamazoo, MI. Our newspaper reviewer called them "Feedback Pumpkins." They were bloody awful. BC was a wanker, too. Had bouncers keep stage divers away from him, whereas Flea said he wanted to give them a hug. Interestingly, I've seen footage of BC offstage, and he seems like a guy you'd let in your home. However, as Sharon Osborne said when she dumped Zwan: "I am ending our relationship due to health problems; Billy Corgan is making me sick."

So, does anyone else know the British slang meaning of "Smashing Pumpkins?" Google it, kids!

[joe]

lucas, you mean "what happened in chicago on tuesday" (not friday). see for yourself, once again its mostly sarcasm being scrutinized. idiot journalists won't let anythign he says go. it was all in fun and for levity, as you can clearly see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgcieNseX8Y

[BacktoRockville]

But listen to what he says in that video about "reunion bands," as in: We aren't going to be one of those that just "go out and play the old songs ..." Precisely.

As for his comment during "Today": I've got a decent levity/BS meter, and I was right up front for that song and he didn't look like he was being funny or sarcastic and several people around me (and one on a cell phone) didn't take it that way either. And none of them is an idiot journalists.

Then again, I know I'm more tolerant/understanding of my favorite bands/musicians.

[Chris]

He played for over 2 1/2 hours ill, he was giving the audience a hard time because he was giving his all while he was sick and they were only half into singing along. He was trying to energize the crowd, and it worked. It's called showmanship.

As far as the "Chicago incident," again, it was a joke. He knew as soon as he started spewing the same lines he knew the critics would (and have been) write the crowd would start yelling things like "that's not true," and "we love you." It was a jab at the critics, a "look, you guys are wrong, they love us" type of thing.

BC is a very kind and warm person, what you see on stage is his "stage persona" or "character" if you prefer. Ozzie didn't bite the head off bats in his free time, it's an act. BC's character is a bitter and sarcastic musician. It's all for show folks, lighten up.

[Eric]

Last night was the third time I saw the band live. I've always found Corgan to be sarcastic in a humorous way. He knows he is surrounded by his fans and enjoys kidding around with them.

Did anyone really take offense with his telling the crowd to sing louder during "Today"? The "I can't hear you" line to the crowd is a rock and roll and sports staple.

I thought the review was a very accurate look at the evening. It was a good show, and it was short on hits. The casual fan would know Tonight, Bullet, & Today for sure and possible have heard Tarantual, GLOW, and Eye.

[what up]

1)
FK BC(and his millionaire crybaby BS)

2)
LONG LIVE(and write)Tim Flinn, our hero.

7)
The Stones Rule RnR!!

[wadkc]

If he opened his mouth and his usual voice came out it had to suck.

[what up]

It said....
""If the problem is that the Pumpkins aren't the Stones and will never be the Stones, you know, bring it on, say openly that you're old.""
----------------------

I now curse upon it, "may you NEVER be afflicted by "Old"".

Actually, do us a favor, take care of this right now.

I look forward to reading your obit.

[what up]

AND.....this is two night thing, is nothing but a marketing gimmick.

Billy douchebag knows he cannot sell 8000 tickets to 8000 people...so he sells 8000 tickest to 4000 people who are stupid enough enough to go 2 night in a row.

The Grateful Dead invented this concept, Billy douchebag is just expoliting this tactic.

catch a clue..or buy one...2 NIGHTS IN A ROW ...LMAO

[Sin City Disciple]

I thought the first half was blazing, and then the acoustic set brought it to a screeching halt. From there, it never regained steam. Makes sense that the band was dragging out solos and "filler" because of Billy's voice... but it did get tedious at times. We knew going in, that it wasn't going to be a "hits show" and we hung out the whole night and had a good time. We were in the middle balcony, dead center. The mix to me was waaaay guitar heavy. There was also a dome in the ceiling right above us, so that might have impacted the sound quality. First trip to the newly renovated Midland, and thought it was great. I was afraid it was going to collapse about 20 minutes in to the show, but still great.

[Zod]

wadkc wrote: "If he opened his mouth and his usual voice came out it had to suck."

Brilliant.

[what up]

SCD,
may I say, the page your link takes us to, is very well done has some great insight, and is very kewl. good job:)

Throwdown in The Village.
well done.

[Gig Vet]

Jason the Pumpkins fan is just about as annoying as Corgan is, good god. Stick your nose farther up his ass why don't you pal.

I love how people try and justify a subpar performer or artist by claiming people "don't get it" or "you just don't understand." It's pretty laughable really. After this nostalgia tour you won't see or hear from this band ever again, and it won't be too soon. Next to Geddy Lee, Corgan = most awful voice in rock music history.