The Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock band from Chicago that has sold 30
million records worldwide. The group were one of the most commercially
successful and critically acclaimed bands of the 1990’s. The group formed in 1988
and included frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, bassist D’arcy Wretzsky,
guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain.
The roots of the band began when Corgan and Iha formed a duo. After Wretzsky
was added on bass, Cabaret Metro owner Joe Shanahan told them he would
agree to a booking if they replaced their drum machine with a live drummer.
With Chamberlain on drums, the group debuted at the Metro on Oct. 5, 1988.
After some minor success with single releases, the group were signed to Caroline
Records. After the resulting album Gish and EP Lull, recorded in Madison, WI,
became minor successes, the group were signed to Virgin Records. To promote
Gish, The Smashing Pumpkins toured the U.S. in support of Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Jane’s Addiction, and Guns ‘N Roses.
In 1992, the band relocated to Georgia to record Siamese Dream which became
the band’s mainstream breakthrough peaking at #10 on Billboards 200 chart.
Siamese Dream is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of the alternative
rock genre.
In 1995 the group released Mellon Collie which debuted at #1 on the Billboard
200. The album was certified ten times platinum in the U.S. and became the best-
selling double album of the decade.
The group veered into electronica with 1998’s Adore album. On Halloween night
that year the band opened for Kiss at Dodger Stadium dressed as The Beatles.
In 1999 Chamberlain returned to the group and Wretzsky was replaced by Melissa
Auf der Maur during the recording of Machina (The Machines of God.) The album
was certified gold.
The Smashing Pumpkins played a farewell concert on December 2, 2000, at the
Cabaret Metro where their career began twelve years earlier.
The reformed Smashing Pumpkins continue to tour today with Billy Corgan, James
Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, Jack Bates, Katie Cole, and Kiki Wong.