This summer, Billy Corgan, the iconic frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, is set to delight fans with a live performance featuring classic hits from his renowned band. However, audiences can expect a fresh twist as his accompanying ensemble will feature different members.

Throughout June, Corgan will embark on a thrilling live tour across North America, accompanied by his newly formed group, Machines of God, for an impressive 16-date concert series. This tour promises to be a remarkable experience for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, showcasing the enduring legacy of Smashing Pumpkins.

Titled A Return to Zero, this highly anticipated tour celebrates significant milestones in the band’s history, including the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking albums Machina/The Machines of God and Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music. Concertgoers can expect a mix of beloved classics and rare tracks from these iconic records, in addition to new material from the upcoming 2024 release, Aghori Mhori Mei.

Joining Billy Corgan for this exciting venture are talented newcomers, including guitarist Kiki Wong, drummer Jake Hayden, and bassist Kid Tigrrr, who is also known as Jenna Fournier from the band NIIGHTS. Together, this lineup aims to create a dynamic and fresh sound that pays homage to the band’s rich musical history.

In addition to the upcoming tour, Corgan has exciting projects lined up for 2025. In early March, he revealed plans for a series of performances in collaboration with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where they will reinterpret Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness through an operatic lens. Corgan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Opera and rock both tell stories of heightened emotions, and I am excited for both fans of my music and traditional opera aficionados to experience this inspired work; achieving a harmonious balance between both forms is my goal.”

Released in 1995, Mellon Collie was a defining moment for Smashing Pumpkins, marking their third studio album and their first to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. This groundbreaking record not only solidified their place in music history but also earned them seven nominations at the 1997 Grammy Awards, including coveted categories such as album of the year and best alternative music album. Ultimately, they won the award for best hard rock performance for their iconic single, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings.”

Conversely, Machina/The Machines of God was released in February 2000, marking the band’s last studio album before their temporary breakup later that same year. This album achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and garnered a Grammy nomination for best recording package, highlighting its artistic merit.

Its successor, Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, was uniquely distributed as a free download in September 2000 after plans for a double album were abandoned. Fans can look forward to a long-awaited reissue of the Machina albums, which is scheduled for later this year, reigniting interest in this pivotal period of the band’s artistic journey.

Mark Your Calendars for Billy Corgan and the Machines of God – A Return to Zero North American Tour

The tour dates are as follows: June 7 – Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD
June 9 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
June 11 – Kee to Bala, Muskoka, ON
June 12 – History, Toronto, ON
June 13 – Beanfield Theatre, Montreal, QC
June 15 – Irving Plaza, New York, NY
June 16 – Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA
June 17 – Archer Music Hall, Allentown, PA
June 19 – St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI
June 20 – Taste of Joliet, Joliet, IL
June 21 – Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
June 23 – Roxian Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
June 25 – House of Blues Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
June 26 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati, OH
June 27 – Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI
June 29 – Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN