The Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan
Back in the summer of ‘18, What? I know, July wasn’t that long ago. So back in July, we had the opportunity to take our readers on the second stop of The Smashing Pumpkins Shiny and Oh So Bright Reunion Tour.
Shiny and Oh So Bright – We take a look inside The Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Tour
Since that July evening, one hundred and forty one days had passed as we prepared to photograph the band again. This time around, instead a big arena were catching up with the band in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the historic Brady Theater. The 100+ year old Brady Theater has a max capacity of 2800 and is known for its amazing acoustics.
For the members of The Smashing Pumpkins its been 42 arena shows across the U.S and Canada, wrapping up the tour with European shows at London’s Wembley Arena and the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy.
The band returned from the massive reunion tour that featured a huge stage production that included everything from monks carrying alters to Mark McGrath playing role of carnival barker. All synchronized to the band playing a 30+ song retrospective setlist that rocketed you through The Smashing Pumpkins world. It was “Shiny And Oh So Bright” and BIG!
The Gift of the 30th Anniversary Series Shows
Now the interesting part, after all the reunion shows, touring , press, etc etc… The band only takes a couple weeks off (Maybe). They work the setlist down to the 20ish song range, reduce the theatrical productions to suit a smaller venue. Simply put, Back to basics. A three guitar heavy rock band getting back to their roots. They then hit the road again for this seven show mini-tour billed “The 30th Anniversary Series”.
Billy Corgan & Jimmy Chamberlin (Drums)
Not to take away from the elaborate huge production that was “Shiny and Oh So Bright” tour, but there’s just something special about seeing these guys play at smaller venues with great acoustics, like The Aragon in Chicago or The Brady in Tulsa. The best part of it all? They appear to be having fun!
This series of shows really seems to be a gift, not only for the fans, but for the band. Playing a hand full of these small venues right after their massive tour felt like a Smashing Pumpkins “The Reunion Tour is Over Party” with the theme being: Now we’re here to stay!
30th Anniversary Show Series Shows
- Nov 28 The Sylvee – Madison, Wi
- Nov 30 Aragon Ballroom – Chicago, IL
- Dec 1 Stifel Theater – St. Louis
- Dec 2 Brady Theater – Tulsa
- Dec 6 The Rialto Theater – Tucson
- Dec 7 Mesa Amphitheater – Phoenix
- Dec 8 The Forum – Los Angeles
After these 30th Anniversary Series shows (As we write this) the band will take a break from the road. Then back for a European Tour, kicking off May 30, 2019 in Oslo, Norway.
The Smashing Pumpkins are:
- Billy Corgan — Lead Vocals, Guitars
- James Iha — Guitar
- Jimmy Chamberlin— Drums
- Jeff Schroeder — Guitar
- Jack Bates — Bass
If the new LP, Shiny and Oh So Bright, VOL. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun, recorded with legendary producer Rick Rubin is any indication of the potential creativeness that’s still bottled up inside these guys. Then expect a Shiny and Oh So Bright Smashing Pumpkins future. I’m willing to bet we’ll be catching up with them again in the near future.
BIO– Formed in Chicago, IL in 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins released their heralded debut album Gishin 1991 and found mainstream success with 1993’s 4x multi-platinum Siamese Dream and 1995’s 10x multi-platinum Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. With over 30 million albums sold to date, the GRAMMY®, MTV VMA, and American Music Award winning band remains an influential force in alternative rock.
For more Smashing Pumpkins Info – https://www.smashingpumpkins.com
Concert Photography By: Michael Young
See ya on the road — — Safe Travels!
Photo Gallery — Given2Flyimages.com
