Billy Corgan Won’t Play Smashing Pumpkins Hits at Concerts
Don’t expect to hear your favorite Smashing Pumpkins hits at the band’s upcoming concerts, as frontman Billy Corgan has made it clear that he will only be performing songs that he wants to play, regardless of fan requests. In a recent interview with Kerrang!, Corgan dismissed the idea that the band must cater to their fanbase by playing certain songs.
“I don’t play any songs I don’t want to play. I don’t care if they’re a classic or not,” Corgan stated. “If I don’t want to play it, I just don’t play it. I don’t put that on the audience like, ‘Well, I’ve got to play this one for you.’ I think that’s kind of cheesy.”
While Corgan acknowledges that fans often request old tracks out of love, he believes that artists cannot dwell in the past. He explained that constantly giving in to nostalgia can be detrimental to an artist’s creativity and growth.
Corgan emphasized the importance of finding a balance between performing old favorites and showcasing new material that reflects the band’s current artistic direction. He stressed the need to engage emotionally with the music and deliver a performance that demonstrates the band’s passion and authenticity.
Last week, Smashing Pumpkins kicked off their joint UK tour with Weezer in Birmingham, marking the band’s first performance with new guitarist Kiki Wong. The show served as a testament to Corgan’s commitment to staying true to his artistic vision and connecting with audiences through genuine and heartfelt performances.