Straight into the heart of the sun

Message from Jimmy

2008-03-25T20:13:41Z

Hello music lovers.

As the tour winds down I would just like to say what a pleasure and an honor it was to play for so many of you. I try to never forget that my job is a sacred privilege. Music, the thing that binds you to me and all of us to the Universe is my light.

Let me also say that this band, The Smashing Pumpkins, will continue to write, record, release, and perform AS LONG AS WE ARE ABLE!

Some of you may have read bits of an interview that was done in confidence by yours truly in which I say that the Pumpkins probably won't record cd's anymore. What I meant by this is this: Although we may not use the "album" or "full length cd" as a format anymore, WE WILL WRITE AND RECORD MUSIC UNTIL WE ARE DEAD!!!!!!!! WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY!!!!!!!!

I could go on about how I was stolen from, violated, lied to by some ignoble journalist, but what's the point?

I choose light.

Love Jimmy.

SUPERCHRIST IS HERE!

2008-02-28T00:52:35Z

The Smashing Pumpkins - Superchrist

Violin by Ysanne Spevack. Guest appearances by Gary Stern and Sky Saxon from The Seeds on Tambourine and Bass. Also appearing: Linda Strawberry, Kristin Burns, Hanna Beth, Audrey Kitching, and Sasha Grey. Directed and edited by Justin Coloma.

Dear Big Bright Lights in the Night Sky...

2007-12-19T16:43:21Z

I emerge from my seemingly eternal self-imposed silence to bring good news! The collective We is happy to announce that We have just finished a new acoustic e.p. entitled 'American Gothic' that features 4 new songs:

The Rose March
Again, Again, Again (the crux)
POX
Sunkissed

Even better is the news that these songs will be available on i-tunes starting January 2nd...the collective We looks forward to you hearing these new songs afresh and us playing them to you anew on the upcoming European and Australian tours...

Since the holidays are upon us, the collective I would like to take this opportunity to give gratitude where it is due, and that is to those that are not hypnotized, or so numbed by darkness that they cannot hear the chime in my words...I wish you a warm holiday and a brilliant New Year to come, and may you get all you deserve! (again) From my heart to yours, sincerely, I hope you feel the love that we have for all of you, even for those of you who are lost and seeking, bruised and still keeping...i hope these words find you as well...

The new day has finally come as we turn the corner on the end of one energy that no longer serves us and begin to embrace the new dawn that will...and no, I am not speaking about the band or the music business...what is past is passed, and we all wear the black arm bands in honor of, but life happily, as it should, marches on...hopefully to a good beat...

Thanks to New Orleans for showing Us the meaning of hope...and thanks to the old guard for showing the same dull move, you know the one that never works? Art band that said old guard wishes they were in so bad that they wish importance upon it? Check! No matter what you crutches all dream up, Led Zep is still a 100 times better! Go Zep! Go Team! Rock on! Long Live the Mighty SP!
And...

Thank YOU for showing up! And yes, I mean YOU :)
lovingness, happiness, BC

Jimmy's blog

2007-12-07T19:52:26Z

Greetings, I hope these words find you all at peace.

First I'd like to thank everyone for their prayers and energy. It was well received and I'm feeling much better. The tour was a rock rampage and now we are back in the studio recording some songs for a possible release worldwide.

Look for these around the first of the year. Busy Bees !

I wish all a Happy Holiday and a productive 08!

Lisa's blog

2007-11-21T18:22:08Z

Hello friends!

Thank you all for the warm birthday wishes. Some of you even shouted them out in the middle of the show last night! How sweet! To celebrate my b-day and the end of the American tour, we had a big sushi dinner at Nobu. It was great to have some quality time together before the big break.

Speaking of which, we will be home for almost 2 & 1/2 months. Seeing as I haven't been home for more than 5 days at a time since April, there will definitely be an adjustment period. However, I think we are all ripe for some rest and replenishment.

At last night's Dallas show, it really struck me how much we have all grown since April. Musically, we have taken lots of chances, turned arrangements inside out, memorized 70 songs or so. I have had a ball and I look forward to making more music together in 2008!

Here are some pics from the Orpheum Theatre shows in Boston. . .

The spaceship has landed!

Heavy Metal Machine!

My father took this pic when he came to see us in Boston. | Ginger, me and friends causin' trouble in the hotel lobby!

Jimmy rockin' Red Rocks, Colorado

Good times at the airport |

Doug, the crazy man behind the cart, is our tour manager. He is obsessed with baseball and his diet consists of crispy crème donuts and oreo cookies (don't forget the milk). The stuffed animal, Mr. Barkley, was not injured in the filming of this event.

Meeting of the minds

Keep it rockin!

Lisa

Life is good (Ginger blog)

2007-11-15T06:29:12Z

That's what I'm feeling right now as I sit in the Austin airport writing this blog. I feel really blessed to be able to play in this band and be able to play music most every night. Yesterday's show was great. The weather was amazing and the sound was good. It was a great crowd, too. Everyone in the band also seemed to be in great spirits. Austin is a great town with great people. It's no wonder Explosions in the Sky are from Austin.

Me and Munaf from Explosions in the Sky taking an artsy photo

Me and Esteban with Explosions in the Sky

We have had such a great time being on tour with those guys and we miss being on the road with them already. They are such a great band and the most down to earth group of guys I've ever met. I am happy to know that we will be friends for years to come. When we arrived 2 days ago here in Austin, Munaf from Explosions came and picked Jeff and I up from the hotel and took us around town. He showed us the Explosions headquarters and then we all went out for Indian food! It was a amazing. Afterwards, we hit up the downtown area and hung out till the wee hours of the night. We had a blast.

Well, besides Austin, I've had a great time in seeing friends in Boston, Philly, Nashville, Atlanta and of course Vegas. It's fun to be able to visit friends that are scattered throughout the country that I normally wouldn't be able to visit if I weren't on tour. It has been a bit of a rock/friend visiting tour for me, which is great. As this leg of the tour comes to an end, I am happy about how tight we've gotten as a band and of all that we've accomplished this year. I am also excited to go home for the holidays and to be with friends.

Life is good.

Some more recent photos.

On a roadtrip to our show in Columbia, SC

Mall of America A street corner band in New Orleans

Me in front of Cafe Du Monde

Home of Chickoree coffee and binets, mmmm

Travel Blog from Jimmy

2007-11-15T06:26:50Z

The band is currently awaiting their flight to return to the rescheduled shows in Atlanta, GA and were kind enough to check in quickly from the airport!

From Jimmy:
I'm feeling much better. I would like to say thanks to everyone for their letters, prayers and patience and to apologize to those who are going to miss the shows. Hopefully we can make it up to you somehow.
JC

Ginger kicks back waiting for her jet

Adam, our chef surfing for recipes!

Jeff Schroeder reading Plato

Also, Billy being the patriotic American that he is, was searched at the airport!

Here's my ticket for my flight today...i got searched because I am a threat to all...

Luckily the entire band made it and is now safe in Atlanta.

Ribbit Ribbit

2007-11-15T06:25:10Z

If you were paying attention in the last 24 hours, then you know that The Smashing Pumpkins had a welcome blast from the past in Austin last night. None other than dear friend Jimmy Flemion of The Frogs joined us on stage at the Backyard for the 2nd encore.

After the experience, Jimmy Flemion himself had a message he would like to share:
To my dear friends Billy and Jimmy, my heartfelt thanks for last night. I am honored to play with suchexceptional musicians. Your devotion to music has inspired many. Best of luck on the rest of the tour.

Love, Jimmy

Billy Corgan had something to say about the experience himself:
There are few people in the world as talented at Jimmy Flemion. It was great to see the fans embrace him on our stage and end what was a great show with a Frogs all-time classic. Jimmy tore the house down!

Flemion joined Billy Corgan and Jimmy Flemion to play The Frogs' own "I Only Play For Money" and The Beatles' "Taxman" before ending the show with "Disarm" by the Pumpkins themselves.

For more information on the Frogs check out the following links.
www.thefrogsarchive.com | www.myspace.com/thefrogs

Photos courtesy of SP.com member Iolite

Words Iz Cheap

2007-10-11T22:53:49Z

There was a moment in time once where I would welcome any opportunity to speak my piece, my heart, if only to rip it from my breast and toss it to your table bloodied and torn, declaring wildly 'look, how gloriously it beats to it's own drum! Even I can't control it's passions and delusions and murmurs'…but these days words iz cheap, and any 'ol chump can throw 'em round like darts…(a blab has become a blob has become a blog)…and just like the sci-fi movie from the 50's "The Blob", no one can figure out how to kill it or simply outrun it…we all just stand here transfixed, gaping at the lack of consciousness of something so unwilling to negotiate, it's only obvious intention seems to be a desire to absorb all in it's path…so with that, with what's left in my mind, I sacrifice these words to the gaping maw of The Void…

I love my country…I love it so much, I'll say it twice…I LOVE this country!!...today i am in Columbus, Ohio, and everything about Columbus has everything to do with what I love about America: the collisions of architectures idealistic and functionally gaudy…the lone characters who climb out of treetops and caves and still retain their sense of home…everywhere that I look here I am reminded of other battles and beliefs that now seem forgotten, yet their symbols still blow their horns in silent reverie because that's all they know how to do…like children waiting for a dad to come home who won't ever come home because he has run off to Trinidad with his secretary…(Uncle Sam has moved down to his timeshare!) But I want him to know I still love him so, and his once glorious charge…that commission is what my uncles died for, and what haunted my grandfather so that he drank himself to death, that feeling of hope and coldness that is America…Walt Disney knew enough to dress it up fancy in sentimentalism to try to keep it warm, but even he tried to outrun it and tackle the coming urban blight with what his EPCOT Center was supposed to be…high technology as a new kind of centering religion…Disney devotee's are still comfortable with his pirate ships, but many forget he also realized that we also need a safe harbor to enjoy our cozy memories from…and unfortunately he too died before he could complete that vision of a 'City of Tomorrow'...so no safe harbors here…

So from this snow globe that I shake up for you I'll try to beam out what goes on back in here…having started this particular journey of The Good Ship Pumpkin way back in November of 2005, I've now had maybe 2 months off total since then…I am not complaining because I love the work, but I am pretty exhausted day after day…however it is the Spirit of the good fans who travel so far to give us that love really lifts me back up…with much help from God…so my Spirit is strong, and I am happy to report that the band is playing beautifully presently, and as a unit is fully committed to not wasting your time with vague intentions…I am also happy to report that we have been able to, over the course of the last 5-6 months, address all the eras of the group quite faithfully, so that there now feels like there is a harmonious balance between Zeitgeist and the previous musical periods…nothing feels like it is being sacrificed against a new whole…of course, some songs don't apply to this, but this has more to do with their inconsistency against the energies of the times we are in than in the foundational energies of Zeitgeist…it makes me very happy we have been able to accomplish this in so short of a time…

Sometimes after shows I like to stop and talk to fans, to hear what they are feeling and what they want, and maybe even see what they need…in Detroit a few nights ago, a fan kept yelling at me 'Billy, more Siamese Dream, more Siamese Dream!'…of course I asked him my favourite question, 'why' and he said, 'because it's the best!'…what I think he really meant is 'it's my favourite album and I came here hoping to hear you play more of those songs'…to his credit, he was young and probably didn't get the chance to see 'ol SP on that tour back in 93-94…so I respect that…(in fact, I respect all fans opinions, even when I may disagree strongly with them, which I often do)…I respect that he may have come in the hope to hear us play his favourite songs, and triumphantly be the band he wants us to be…but as I said the other night to the same audience in Detroit that this young man was in, 'this is not a reunion tour'…

The question I ask is when does the past begin to dictate our future?…if one was to listen to Siamese Dream from a particular perspective, you might hear me at age 25 or so struggling with how to escape my past! How ironic that that same struggle should now become part of my current struggle for autonomy…the current SP is designed to live on happily, strongly, proudly, and boldly…there is no other way that I can see to water the flowers properly…we choose life, and the love of the moment for the song we choose to sing…

I believe God talks to me at each and every moment of my life, the only problem being that I don't listen…God does not want any of us to be unhappy, or to mourn for that which has no meaning…thanks to digital media, many of us can and will be remembered in perpetuity by an unseen future, but they probably won't bother to watch…my guess is our images and sounds will seem as archaic to them as images and sounds from the beginnings of the 20th century sound to us now…so fighting for the preservation of values that don't matter now and will matter even less down the road seems a sad waste of energy…I am happy to be a warrior of light and universal logic if I am fighting for the good in us…sentimentalism in and of itself is a form of death…sentimentalism in the context of preserving that which meant something to our ancestors and therefore is encoded secretly in our dna is something I am raptuous about…if God is love is truth, than you are that to me…SP stands at the center of my musical truth, and mirrors how god stands for me in the center of all truth…I would hope we can faithfully copy that paradigm, and always stay focused on what really matters…we may not always be what you want, but we do have what you need!

B C

Geetings from Jimmy Chamberlin

2007-10-04T13:27:09Z

Greetings. I hope this finds you well and happy. As you know we have been on tour for some time now. It has been quite a journey and I can't tell you how proud I am of the band. From where we started in a little room in LA, to rehearsals in Chicago, to the first show in Paris, to headlining the Reading festival! And it hasn't stopped. The band continues to improve on a nightly basis. The band is becoming one with itself. Finding its soul if you will. And all of these things are adding up to a new future of Pumpkin Music and lots of it. Billy and I are constantly brainstorming about our future in the band. It is a strange time in the music business and a strange time in general. But it is also an exciting time; a good time to be alive. The future will present itself with some challenges. Those who can adapt will succeed. Those who don't will remain tethered to anachronistic ideals and will suffer terrible consequences. We intend to be part of the former.

On a more current tip, we played Red Rocks last night and by all accounts it was a great show. The fans showed up in force and a good time was had by all. We are finding that the younger audiences really respond well to the new material and the kind of stretching out we do on songs like, SuperChrist and Heavy Metal Machine. This is very encouraging to us as it tells us that the things we are attracted to as artists are relevant to listeners as well. The time is fast approaching when real music will be played by real people for real people like you to listen to!

Speaking of artists, I have been listening to a lot of music these days. Namely John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Tony Williams Lifetime, Lee Morgan, Mulgrew Miller, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Captain Beyond, as well as watching tons of old Jazz videos. Anything I can get my hands on that isn't strapped to some sort of conventionalism. I've been studying the life and career of Coltrane. I've been trying to insert his dedication to music and truth into my own life. It's certainly not easy but well worth it as it not only makes me a better musician. It makes me a better husband, father, friend, etc. Being on tour you find yourself with a lot of time to kill and I feel that the best use of that time is practicing and studying music. Like Coltrane I have found that when I have my music straight, the rest of my life follows easily.

But it's not all work work work for JC. A man has to spend some time "off grid" once in a while. I've been going out here and there and having some fun. I got to throw out the first pitch at an Arizona Diamondbacks game last week. Talk about nerve-racking! I was more nervous than I have ever been before a show. I got NO practice and just had to walk out to the mound and throw a strike. Now I played baseball my whole childhood and into high school, but never in a major league stadium! So out I marched to the mound (all the way to the rubber, 60' 6"!), and heaved one home. The whole time I'm thinking, "Don't bounce it in or that's what you'll be remembered for, not music!" All went well. I didn't choke and I was able to hold my head high as we watched the D'Backs lose to San Francisco.

GO CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also have had the recent honor of being on the cover of Modern Drummer. Ever since I was a little drummer I have thought of MD as the pent ultimate achievement. I use to look at my heroes on that magazine and think that someday, if I practice hard enough..................

So check it out. It's a good rant on the state of affairs and has some good Zeitgeist stories as well as some beautiful photos of yours truly taken by the illustrious Kristin Burns. It's the third cover for me but it's always exciting. Remember that anything is attainable. The whole of your life's dreams are alive in your heart waiting for you to set them free.

Love, Jimmy

Some Photos to go along with this blog:

Some cats in Greece!

Me in Greece

a not so friendly protest outside of my hotel......................... In Greece!

Cat in Istanbul!

A Peregrine Falcon visits one of my bird feeders!

J.S. pre-show warm up!

Chemtrails over Southern California

The Spaceship lands at Red Rocks!!!!!

What JC does for fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

And more fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Throwing Balls, Dropping Pucks, and the JLAM

2007-09-26T19:57:26Z

Greetings friends. Today I'm writing from Vancouver, where I'm enjoying a nice day off. It's my first time here and I'm liking the city a lot. While our main reason for being anywhere is to play music, it's nice every so often to have a day off and do something non-music related. And over the last couple of weeks we've done some pretty cool things that I'd like to share with you. So sorry, there won't be any sex, drugs, and rock and roll in this blog. You'll have to wait for Ginger and Lisa's next ones for those stories! Just kidding, of course…

You'd be surprised where you sometimes have the best day off. You might think that places such as New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco would be the best place to spend a day off, and that is often true, but it also some of the not so obvious places where the true fun takes place. For example last week we were had a day off in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the last couple of years I've been to Phoenix a bunch of times; and while I've never had a bad time there, I've never had a particularly great time either. However this was one of my best days off so far since we started touring in May. I think a lot of this has to do with where you stay and who you know. Luckily Billy and Jimmy have some very nice and generous friends in Phoenix who really made our stay there fantastic. One of these people is Bradley. He is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and he set up a pretty memorable night for Jimmy and I especially. He organized these two historic events in Pumpkin history and for that we are forever grateful.

If you didn't watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play the San Francisco Giants play last week you may have missed Jimmy Chamberlin throwing out the first pitch. Unfortunately I was somewhere else that night, which I'll get to in a second, so I didn't get to see it. I searched YouTube for a clip but couldn't find anything. If you have anything, please forward it to the site. But from what I heard, Jimmy's pitch was so ferocious that Barry Bonds decided to take the night off.

While Jimmy was striking out the side at the Diamondbacks game I was on the other side of town at the local hockey arena watching the Phoenix Coyotes play the Colorado Avalanche in an early pre-season match-up. Being a huge hockey fan I was super excited just to be able to see some puck while in the middle of a tour. The morning of the game I received a call from Doug, our tour manager, and he asked me if I wanted to drop the first puck at the game. My first response was a "no way." However Doug quickly talked me into doing it and I sure am glad he did. From the minute we got to the arena the Coyotes staff treated us fantastically. Right before the game started, Chris, our production manager, and I were walked down near the boards and we got to watch the players walk out of the locker room and onto the ice. If you don't follow hockey, you probably don't know that Wayne Gretzky (the greatest hockey player that ever was) is both part owner and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. It was an honor to stand within ten feet of him during the national anthem. To be honest I was so nervous before walking out to center ice to drop the puck that I don't really remember much of it at all except that I tried to walk away before retrieving the puck back from Coyotes captain, Shane Doan, who former Los Angeles King and now New York Ranger, Sean Avery, named the most overrated hockey player in the NHL. I would have to disagree with Sean on this one because Shane is not only a monster player but also seemed like a really nice guy. Once again thanks to Bradley for hooking all this up.

Now on to my final subject of this blog-the JLAM. You may be sitting there wondering what JLAM means. It stands for Jon Lemon Approved Meal. Often while on tour, time-or the lack of it-dictates how and what you eat. It isn't uncommon to arrive to a city just before you have to go to soundcheck and get ready to play. So in terms of food, you eat what you can and most of the time we eat pretty well. But when we have a day off we like to take it to the next level, and that is a JLAM. Jon Lemon is not only our Front of House sound engineer (the one responsible for making what you hear sound amazing), he is also the person we ask to find the best restaurant in town. This doesn't mean the most expensive; it means a place that passes the highest culinary and aesthetic standards that Jon over countless years of touring has devised. These meals are often so good that we talk about them for days afterward. For example, on Sunday night a couple of us went out for a JLAM at restaurant here in Vancouver called Gotham. While primarily a steakhouse, Gotham serves fish, chicken, and lamb dishes as well. The steaks there are an A+. Jon and I are still talking about them. So, if you are ever in Vancouver and you want an excellent steak, you need to go have a JLAM at Gotham. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for indulging me and reading about this stuff. I hope I see some of you out on tour.

1st blog from Lisa

2007-09-18T22:16:58Z

Hi there!

For those of you who don't already know me, my name is Lisa. I'm the chick behind the keyboards. What an amazing 4 months this has been. We have been to Europe twice, completed two residencies and are now well into the Fall US Tour. Time flies when you're a Pumpkin!

Jeff took this pic in Paris with his amazing camera

Orange Peel (Asheville, NC)

Fillmore, San Fransisco, CA.

Here's a little bit about me . . .

Fav things to do on travel days . . .

Catch some zzzzzzzs,

read sacred poetry, journal & solve sudoku puzzles.
(Billy thinks I am completely addicted but, I say I can stop anytime I want!)

Artists on heavy rotation on my IPOD right now . . .

Lots of Hendrix and Deep Purple (Jon Lord's organ solos are mindblowing!) Jeff totally hooked me up with Hendrix "Live at the Fillmore" and I am obsessed with learning the song "Power of Soul". What a huge sound Hendrix had & all three of the band members were just monster musicians!

Most memorable experience on tour thus far . . .

There are sooooo many but, I would have to say visiting the Moog keyboard factory in Asheville, NC. I was like a kid in a candy store; playing with the theramin and all of the cool effects pedals. Anyways, I went there with Billy just to "check out" the factory and I went home with their brand new Minimoog Voyager keyboard!! I just had to have it!

Here we are at the factory

Checkin out the cool toys!

This is the keyboard. Isn't it beautiful?

Here are some more highlights . . .

Scotland was beautiful!!

Vegas, baby! We had a great show at the Pearl Theatre

Jeff, the "dancing machine" @ Moon, Las Vegas.

Backstage after a great show at the Pearl Theatre

Backstage, keepin' the boyz in check!

Talk to you soon friends : )

Peace and love, Lis

1st blog from Ginger

2007-09-08T08:02:00Z

What a jam packed few months it has been for us here at the Pumpkin camp. We went from playing a two week residency in San Francisco, to doing a video in LA, to the Virgin Fest in Maryland and then went off to our second European tour for 3 weeks.

I am currently on a plane going to Chicago from my small town in California called Los Angeles. Maybe you've heard of it? Anyway, although it has been very busy around here, we have not lacked in good times and adventure.

This European tour was a lot different than the first. We had a lot more time to explore and meet up with old friends. Reading was particularly fun for me as I ran into a lot of my friends who were playing, too. I got to see my friends in the Cold War Kids, Funeral for a Friend and the Used. I also ran into my friend Aaron, who informed me that he has been playing in NIN for the passed few years, who knew!?

Our show that night was so fun, probably one of our favorites so far. The crowd was amazing and there was a lot of energy on stage. I went to Reading as a fan a few years ago and it was awesome to experience the festival with my friends. Going back this time as the headliner was surreal, to say the least. I definitely don't take that for granted.

Our next stop was Greece, where as you may have heard, there was a national disaster. There were horrible fires throughout the entire country and over 50 people died. We were booked to perform in Athens and still arrived, when we found out that the show was cancelled due to the fires. We all feel very sorry for the devastation and loss of those who were affected by the fires. We are also sad to have not been able to perform, but we hope to be able to come back someday.

While we were in Greece, I was able to see the Parthenon and eat Greek salads. Both were amazing. Some of us also took a day trip to Delphi to see where the Oracle once lived. It is pretty fascinating to some of us history nerds to see such incredible historical sites.

Our last stop of the European tour was in Istanbul. I have always wanted to go there and it didn't disappoint me at all. It was gorgeous and we had a great time. Well, we are about to land and Billy and I are betting to see what time we think we will land. He always seems to win at these guessing games, but we'll see what happens!

See you soon!
ginger

Blog #2 - San Francisco

2007-07-21T14:42:41Z

Greetings from the Pumpkin bubble. It's been a fun and busy last couple of weeks, and I'm sorry that I haven't been able to check in more often. I'll try to be better about that.

I think everyone in the band would agree that the first residency in Asheville, NC was a tremendous success on multiple levels. The people of Asheville-and all of those who traveled from distant places-completely happened their hearts and ears to us, and for that we will be forever grateful. So far, San Francisco has been a lot of fun as well. However, the energy here is much different than Asheville. Not better or worse, just different; it will be exciting to see what happens here as we get farther into the shows.

Some of you might be wondering what exactly we are do during these residencies. A typical day might go something like this: After we wake up, each us works individually in our hotel room-writing songs, working on guitar/bass/keyboard/drum parts, etc. After that, we head to the venue and practice for three or four hours. During these practices, we might work on something that didn't go well the night before, work on a new song Billy wrote in the morning, or just jam on new ideas. When we finish practicing, we usually have a few hours to ourselves before we have to get ready for the show, which on most nights lasts about three hours. It definitely isn't uncommon for us to play a song during the show that Billy wrote in the morning. So what you see during the show is a band actually creating and trying new things. I think we all feel it is a blessing to spend the whole day playing music, and I can't think of a better way to make strong musical friendships than playing together as much as possible.

After last night's show, Ginger and I, along with the War Tapes, headed out to Popscene to end the night. We had a blast, and I want to say thanks to Nako for treating us so well. The kids in the War Tapes are just wonderful, and I'm excited to see them rock tonight. If you have a chance, check their stuff out. You won't be disappointed.

OK, we're to Santa Cruz today to play one show out of the city. See you soon!

Europe, Video and Asheville - Blog from Jeff Schroeder

2007-06-23T17:31:49Z

Asheville, NC – Thanks for tuning in. The last couple of months has been a real exciting time for both the band and me personally. Recently, someone in the Pumpkin family decided that it would be a great idea if a band member contributed a blog to the website in an effort to give all the internet people out there a closer look into the day-to-day experiences of band struggling to combat the unknown forces of "the road." For some reason, it was quickly decided that the person would be me (I guess that's what going to graduate school gets you…). So throughout the duration of the tour I'll be sharing stories, events, photos and all other types of nonsense that you might find interesting. Since we have a lot of ground to cover, I'll get right into it.

I think I can speak for all involved when I say that our recently completed trip to Europe was successful on multiple levels. We had a lot of fun together and did our best to bring the rock each and every night. While all of the shows were great and unique in their own way, there were some definite highlights. One stand out moment was the addition of Uli Jon Roth to the line-up for three shows in Germany. If you don't already know, Uli Jon Roth replaced Michael Schenker in the Scorpions and played with the band from 1974 to 1978, helping the band move out of their Kraut-rock roots and become the shuffle producing machine that they are known for today. His playing on these early Scorpions recordings is simply phenomenal and his influence within the rock guitar community goes largely unnoticed. But once you listen, you'll realize that his playing is beyond world class and on par with more recognized guitar players such as Ritchie Blackmore. I'd like to hear what Yngwie Malmsteen would have sounded like if there was no Uli Jon Roth. Besides being a great musician, Uli shared his beautiful soul with us, and for that we're all quite thankful. For a few shows after he left, Billy and I would just look at Uli's spot on the stage and acknowledge his spirit.

After a month of rocking in Europe, on Wednesday morning we got on a plane and flew from London straight to Atlanta to film a video for "Tarantula." I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that making the video was a blast, and all of the extras involved really made it a special moment that I think you're going to enjoy.

After making the video, we jumped in a van and began making trek to Asheville, NC. For about a minute, we all of got nostalgic about the days of touring in a van, and to make the moment even more authentic, we stopped for dinner at Cracker Barrel just outside of Atlanta. The food was amazing, and we all tested our intelligence playing the wooden-triangle-with-holes-and-golf tees-game. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm sorry; and it's much too complicated to explain. But let me say this, we found out that our rhythm section, Jimmy and Ginger, are the most intelligent members of the band. We arrived in Asheville late Thursday night/early Friday morning. To protect the feelings of our driver, I'll just say that we made safe. I won't mention anything about the dirt roads that take you from Atlanta to Asheville.

On Friday morning, a bunch of us took to the streets of downtown Asheville to have a look around. According to BC, it only took about 30 seconds for someone to ask him if we wanted some "PB"-pure bud. Awesome. But it only gets better, a few moments after that, while walking down the street, someone else asked Billy if he would take a photo with his monkey sock (or something like that).

But in all honesty, the people that we've met in Asheville have been wonderful, and we're just as excited to be here as they are to have us.

Talk to you after the show.

Message from the band

2007-06-23T17:26:33Z

Dear Friends,

Hello from the Mighty SP!

We are just arrived from Old Europe, and would like to send heartfelt thanks to all the fans who saw us play over this last month...the shows were truly memorable, and we are ever indebted and so very grateful for such a warm welcome back...

A few words then from us then about our 9 show residency in Asheville, and the 13 show stand at the Fillmore in San Fransico...our stated hope for playing so many shows in a fixed locale is to foster an environment of creativity, risk taking, and mutual community...to attempt to find some new forms (musically and aesthetically) that will point us future forward...this means playing songs not yet written, digging thru some forgotten ones, and a whole lot of rehearsing during the days ahead so the nights will be filled with chance...we hope that each of these performances can be a great adventure, and look fully to capture the spirit of the moment, wherever we all may be...

Also, a clear declaration of our new open-source taping policy...everyone is welcome to tape at our shows in whatever capacity they see fit...anyone is welcome and invited to document using audio, video, or picture cameras (cell phones are welcome)...although we do reserve the right to refuse anyone at anytime (especially if we feel the reason for recording is not for entirely altruistic)...God bless

BC 6/23/07

Pinkpop Festival

2007-06-05T12:48:32Z

First new video from Smashing Pumpkins reunion tour.

2007-05-29T23:12:48Z

New Smashing Pumpkins website is live NOW!

2007-05-23T07:11:22Z

smashingpumpkins.com (revamped)

Setlist from Grand Rex 05.22.07 Paris

2007-05-22T22:12:21Z

Here is an image of the setlist from tonight's legendary reunion show!

From BC

2007-02-07T15:07:19Z

The Smashing Pumpkins
6th album
'Zeitgeist'
07.07.07

2007 (from billy)

2007-01-03T03:44:04Z

Dear Beautiful Souls,

Happy New Year to you! May 2007 prove to be a blessed year in every respect and every way...I send you every ounce of love I have in my heart...May the grace of Mother be with you...This year for us will see a new album of songs and a world tour of tears, and we truly look forward to playing again for fans young, old, and missed...So yes, tunes are being dusted off, while others are being asked to kindly submit to an upstart millennia and all it's asking...In our daily prayers, we send out the signal that all who should hear us come forward and be seen, and by extension, heard...when we opened the lid on this music box, we were pleasantly suprised at the music that played: familiar yet unknown, welcoming but not sentimental...and that is all we can ask...God has absolutely blessed us in every respect...for many years there were private laments about opportunities missed and hearts so broken, but no more...we have turned the page and moved on, from places and faces, names and games...this age calls for resolve and certitude, and the fire within to burn ever bright...if that fire should be connected to absolutely deafening guitars, thundering drums, and the melodies of snakes, then so be it! We love you! If you are meant to be with us, find us!! We have need, and our arms are ever-open...although I can say definitively we don't need jugglers...but we do need ???? (what?) what do we need!
With a smile and a wink,
billy corgan

Jimmy's Love Letters .6

2006-12-01T05:49:58Z

Hello again!

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. We have been very busy carving up the sonic landscape with oceans of guitars and a sea of fuzz bass. We are four songs deep and about a hundred guitars in! Every day is a little louder and every night is a little darker! Last night for instance, we were working on a song...a very beautiful simple song we had been playing since we got back together. A song that was never questioned because of its poignant simplicity. Suddenly, Billy looked up and said that he thought we should try to find something else in the song. A different feel. A new approach. Something besides drums, bass and guitar. We had Bo' (our assistant) bring in an old organ to see if that would change the vibe. Instantly the song was transported to a new place . A place of symphonic majesty that made us all smile.

It's really moments like these that make it all worth it.
Sometimes you just have to ask the question...........
At any rate, it sure was nice to play something quiet for a change!

JC

Photo Credit: BC

Jimmy's Love Letters .5

2006-11-15T19:03:43Z

Hello all! A quick update. We are moving along nicely in the studio. BC pulled off a magnificent guitar symphony last night and it is still ringing in my ears this morning. Eight guitars resonating in one big harmonic handshake! And the drums...........of course! Yes, things are sounding great my friends. Today we will be working on vocals and solos, tomorrow, who knows. We are channelers. Sonic students.

Thanks to everyone who has sent in artwork.
You are brilliant!
Love, jc.

Jimmy's Love Letters .4

2006-11-03T11:59:57Z

Hello again my friends. I hope this finds all of you well! We have been working day and night in the studio and I am happy to say that the drums are finished! After almost a year of work, to finally sit down and listen to the drum takes, one after another, was a truly joyful experience. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most musically satisfying and spiritually rewarding trips I have ever been on. And what a long strange trip it's been! Our music has pulled us ever closer to the Heart and the Heart is beating true. We are moving closer to the light now, so about halfway there. I hope you can join us 'O Children of the Sun' Love, JC

p.s. We would like to thank The Grateful Dead, Rush, Billy Thorpe for their guidance in this hour of need.

photo:kristin burns