Swiss Journal of Research in Business and Social Sciences

Music

Being an Interviewer: Billy Corgan on the Deep Cut Tour

In this engaging interview, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan shares insights into his journey as a host of his own podcast. He delves into the concept of punk rock guilt, reflecting on his past struggles with it, and reveals the motivations behind his recent solo tour that highlights the lesser-known tracks from the Pumpkins extensive catalog.

During the 1990s, Corgan, much like his contemporaries in alternative rock, grappled with the feelings associated with punk rock guilt. This sentiment stemmed from the belief that achieving significant commercial success equated to “selling out,” a notion that weighed heavily on artists who valued their artistic integrity.

For Corgan, this internal conflict manifested in what drummer Jimmy Chamberlin described as the “art breakdown.” This episode would see him lash out at the audience who had paid to see him perform, revealing the turbulence within. If you attended Lollapalooza in the summer of 1993, you might recall the intensity of these moments.

Indeed, growing up can be challenging. However, with time, individuals often find clarity about the frustrations they faced in their youth and learn to move forward. Corgan exemplifies this growth well. He has recently embarked on a solo tour that emphasizes music from two seminal Smashing Pumpkins albums: 1995’s Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness and 2000’s Machina/The Machines of God, along with material from Machina II/The Friends & Enemies Of Modern Music. Notably, he also includes tracks from last year’s Aghori Mhori Mei, showcasing both nostalgia and innovation.

This summer, the Smashing Pumpkins will undertake a traditional tour across Europe and Asia. In November, Corgan is set to collaborate with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for a remarkable seven-night showcase of Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness, promising a unique blend of rock and opera.

Additionally, Corgan has ventured into podcasting with the launch of The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan in February. This platform has allowed him to engage with a diverse array of guests, including fellow musicians like Tom Morello and Dean and Robert DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots, as well as icons such as Gene Simmons, Pat Benatar, and Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons. His approach to interviews stands out; he avoids sensationalism and clickbait, focusing instead on meaningful conversations that resonate with both the interviewee and the audience.

During our discussion, we touched on various topics, including an upcoming major concert Corgan is set to perform in Birmingham.

Before diving into other subjects, I must ask: what does it feel like to be part of the “Back To The Beginning” show? It seems likely this will be Ozzy’s final performance, marking the end of an era for Black Sabbath.

The invitation to participate came from Sharon Osbourne during her appearance on my podcast. She expressed her desire for me to be involved, emphasizing how meaningful it would be for Ozzy.

It’s incredibly humbling to be part of such a significant event. Many fans have approached me, expressing their excitement about this performance, which underscores its importance.

If you had the choice, which songs would you want to perform?

I prefer not to specify, as Tom Morello, the concert’s musical director, has curated the setlist. There was a particular Sabbath song I was initially slated to sing, but when Tony Iommi reached out regarding that choice, I had to consider it. However, I can share that the Sabbath track I know I’m performing is among my all-time favorites, and it feels serendipitous as it was one of the first songs that truly resonated with me.

Can you elaborate on your Machines of God tour? You’re celebrating specific Smashing Pumpkins eras while performing solo.

In a band with such a rich history, the setlist often narrows over time, especially as the band regains popularity and attracts a broader audience. This leads to the pressure of delivering what fans often expect as a “greatest hits” performance. While we do include deep cuts and covers [with the Smashing Pumpkins], I still feel that we haven’t compromised our artistry.

However, many songs I wish to perform simply don’t fit within the limited time. For years I have advocated for a tour focusing on these “deeper cuts.” There have been differing opinions within the band regarding the potential value of such performances, but I reached a point where I felt compelled to pursue this vision independently.

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This tour caters to the hardcore Pumpkins fans who crave these selections more frequently. It’s also a setlist that I genuinely wish to explore more often.

That said, when you’re playing to 50,000 people while opening for Green Day, you’re grateful for the hits that keep the crowd engaged. However, taking the stage solo opens up different avenues, allowing for a unique experience that holds equal value in a more intimate setting.

In the 2000s, I grappled with the question of “Whose band is it?” I felt as though the essence of the band was slipping away from me, leading me to be part of a group I hadn’t chosen to be in.

After years of reconciling those feelings, everything lightened up, leading to an improved concert experience that delighted fans. I’ve found peace in that journey. Playing these deeper tracks now reconnects me to the core reasons I started this band, fostering a sense of emotional balance.

Kiki Wong is now playing guitar both with the Pumpkins and your solo project. Many of us discovered her talent through her social media guitar videos during the pandemic. I recently spoke with Les Claypool from Primus, who mentioned a similar story about drummer John Hoffman. Has your experience with Kiki been similar?

Kiki has infused our group with an incredible amount of positive energy, and her enthusiasm is truly contagious. She is authentically the person you see online. When I recognized her name among the audition candidates, I felt a sense of familiarity and excitement.

She is genuinely sweet, full of enthusiasm, and is someone who dedicates herself to practice tirelessly. I admire musicians who require no external motivation, and Kiki embodies this quality.

All of us—myself, James, Jimmy, and Kiki—have children, which fosters a supportive environment. When we first met Kiki over Zoom, I mentioned that her family is always welcome.

Many women in the music industry face challenges balancing career ambitions with family obligations, so I’m grateful we’ve established a supportive dynamic. This allows her to focus entirely on the band.

After your upcoming tours, you have a collaboration planned with the Lyric Opera of Chicago for “A Night Of Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness.” How did this partnership come to fruition?

A mutual friend suggested I might be a good fit for this collaboration, and I initially thought it was an impossible dream. The Lyric Opera is known for its performances of classical composers like Mozart and Bach, but after a meeting, we found common ground and shared goals.

My objective was to help attract younger audiences to the opera, and as a fan, I wanted to explore how my music could be brought to life in this unique setting.

This collaboration involves a full orchestra and choir, featuring songs I wrote in my 20s that have stood the test of time. It feels almost surreal to perform in my hometown, where these songs originated.

They have committed to seven performances, which amounts to approximately 24,000 tickets. It’s a significant leap of faith for them, hoping that my audience will support the event. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I feel confident that I’m in capable hands. I won’t be singing for the entire evening, just a few selected songs, and I’m equally excited to experience the performances as I am to participate.

smashing pumpkins bullet with butterfly wings

Virgin

Let’s discuss your podcast. In a previous interview, you mentioned that you prefer not to view your guests as “prey.” By now, you likely have a clear understanding of what you enjoy and dislike about interviews.

From the outset, I made it clear to the team at Bill Maher’s show that I aimed to create a positive experience for everyone involved. If that meant the podcast wouldn’t work as expected, I was prepared to accept that.

We’ve all experienced those moments in interviews where a guest starts to reveal something, and you can almost feel the headlines forming. Ultimately, it’s about having moral clarity and understanding what you truly seek from these conversations. I believe the success of my podcast stems from its authenticity and lack of clickbait. For example, Sharon shared a story about Ozzy being considered for a role in Pirates of the Caribbean, which generated headlines, but in a positive way.

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Of course, I want listeners to engage and find value in the discussions. Sharon’s willingness to share something she had never disclosed before was incredibly generous. It was refreshing to avoid any controversial comments that could spark unnecessary drama.

Both Sharon and I have navigated similar spaces in the industry, and I find the sensationalism pervasive in modern journalism to be troubling. It feels like the industry has devolved into a cycle of chasing headlines, sacrificing depth and joy in the process.

At 58 years old, I’ve witnessed the media landscape shift considerably. While I understand the pressures to generate sales and clicks, I feel that the resulting content often lacks substance. It’s akin to fast food—it’s fleeting and doesn’t leave a lasting impact. If you compare the clickbait surrounding my name to my accomplishments as a musician, the disparity is striking. Much ink may have been spilled over my offhand remarks, but they pale in comparison to my body of work.

I admire your interviewing style. You often express your thoughts with phrases like “What I’m trying to get at is…” or “Did that question land for you?” How did you develop this technique? It feels incredibly authentic. As an interviewer, I’ve often felt pressured to phrase every question perfectly, which isn’t always necessary.

Through countless behind-the-scenes conversations with notable individuals, I’ve come to understand the complexity of their experiences. However, the media often simplifies their stories, reducing them to soundbites. I’ve learned that if you approach these conversations respectfully and intelligently, many people are willing to share deeper insights, revealing the layers of their experiences that are often overlooked.

People frequently inquire about my dream podcast guest, and I always mention Paul McCartney. To me, he represents someone who, despite being interviewed countless times, still feels enigmatic. Having listened to him throughout my life, I feel I understand John Lennon better than McCartney, which is surprising given McCartney’s extensive media presence over the last six decades.

Beatles legend Paul McCartney onstage, holding up his pointer finger

Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images

It’s hard to believe that someone who penned “Eleanor Rigby” doesn’t possess a profound inner world. Given his extensive experiences, it’s a shame that we don’t know more about his emotional landscape. Often, we rely on speculative biographies, but I aspire to create a platform that allows fans to delve deeper and gain a better understanding of his artistry.

Engaging with great artists offers invaluable insights into life and creativity, and I believe that exploring their perspectives reveals much about the human experience.

Did you have a chance to watch Rick Rubin’s interview with Paul McCartney [McCartney 3,2,1]?

That interview brought me closer to understanding him than ever before. For a musician, it felt like a masterclass. Just considering his time with The Beatles—which spanned seven years before he turned 30—highlights the magnitude of his early achievements!

It’s fascinating to consider how artists like Mozart toured Europe at such a young age. Observing my own child’s recent piano recital made me appreciate how unique those experiences are.

I suppose I’m an autodidact in that sense.

Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with Zakk Wylde. Despite his technical prowess and consistent playing, he described himself as a “sloppier” player than perceived. I reassured him that his skill is undeniable and arises from years of dedication.

While many may recognize your guests, I was unfamiliar with Mark Laita and his Soft White Underbelly Instagram account, where he showcases stories of individuals on the fringes of society. I found that episode incredibly enlightening.

I thoroughly enjoyed that episode. We have a gentleman’s agreement that I’ll appear on Soft White Underbelly eventually, which would be a significant honor for me—sharing that platform with individuals from diverse backgrounds in honor of my father. I approached the interview with the understanding that most viewers might not know who he is, so I took time to explain his work. I learned a great deal in the process.

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The most compelling part of our conversation came when I asked him how he manages to engage with individuals sharing traumatic stories. He described adopting a clinical perspective, emphasizing the importance of not becoming overly emotionally involved. To his credit, he illustrated instances where he had become emotionally invested and faced challenges as a result.

His work is invaluable as it brings attention to a part of society that is often ignored, especially concerning the fentanyl crisis. In American culture, we have a tendency to turn away from uncomfortable truths.

I also appreciated the episode featuring Tom Morello. It’s helpful to articulate feelings, and when Tom mentioned “punk rock guilt,” it struck a chord with both of us.

He possesses a clearer understanding of that sentiment than I do.

While I’m not suggesting that Gene Simmons and Tom are alike, they both exhibit a type of moral clarity that can be unsettling for many. Gene is straightforward about his views, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s all about money.” Conversely, Tom is unafraid to challenge authority, which can also be uncomfortable for audiences. Tom articulated this notion beautifully: “We’re all under the influence of expectations based on outdated principles.”

In truth, many of these precepts have become irrelevant in today’s music landscape, overshadowed by the pop takeover.

You mentioned in one of your episodes that you recently interviewed the legendary soul singer Sam Moore [of Sam & Dave, who passed away in January]. How was that experience, and who else do you have lined up?

Sam was the only guest I conducted remotely due to health considerations. I suspect it may have been one of the last interviews he conducted. Engaging with him was incredible, as I’ve long admired his work.

During our conversation, he sometimes lost himself in thought, prompting his wife [Joyce] to contribute off-camera. At one point, I asked if she was from Chicago, recognizing her accent. When she joined the conversation, it enriched the discussion, allowing them to share insights into their relationship and her support during his recovery from addiction. While the interview wasn’t lengthy, I felt truly privileged to speak with him.

Of all the guests I’ve interviewed, I believe my father would be most proud of my conversation with Sam Moore.

I have an upcoming two-part interview with Paul Stanley. He was incredibly gracious, as I’ve known him for several years. I believe listeners will enjoy the conversation, as Paul has stepped back from the “Starchild” persona, presenting a more authentic version of himself in our discussion.

During the interview, you truly feel his warmth as a person. It was touching to see the relationship he shares with Gene. While many focus on the band’s ambition, chatting with Paul reveals the brotherhood that sustained their success through adversity, which is often challenging for outsiders to grasp.

Behind the scenes, their journey was fraught with difficulties. Paul candidly shared his feelings about some band members’ struggles to embrace their success in the late 1990s, which was clearly painful for him.

Thanks to Billy Corgan for the interview. Be sure to follow Smashing Pumpkins on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and visit the band’s website for all upcoming tour dates.

Don’t miss an episode of The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan, available every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.