Billy Corgan, the enigmatic frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, has always been a figure of intrigue in the music world. Born in Chicago in 1967, Corgan has led the Smashing Pumpkins through a prolific career, releasing 12 studio albums, including their latest, “Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts” (2022–2023). Beyond his work with the band, Corgan has ventured into solo projects and even formed the supergroup Zwan. His interests extend beyond music; he owns the National Wrestling Alliance and stars in the reality TV series “Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland.” Alongside his wife, Chloe Mendel, he also runs Madame Zuzu’s Tea House in Highland Park, Illinois. Currently, the Smashing Pumpkins are on the UK leg of their “The World Is a Vampire” tour, with a performance tonight at the O2 in London.
Corgan’s cultural tastes are as eclectic as his career. Recently, he watched Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” with his eight-year-old son. The film, which tells the story of a boy who loses his mother, resonated deeply with Corgan, who experienced a similar loss when his mother was institutionalized when he was just four. The beautifully animated yet cryptic movie led to a touching moment between father and son, highlighting the simplicity and honesty children often bring to complex situations.
In another cultural highlight, Corgan attended a performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, conducted by Enrique Mazzola. The live experience, with a choir of 60 and an orchestra of equal size, was almost religious for Corgan. He marveled at the genius of Mozart, feeling humbled by the intricate melodies and polyphony that filled the concert hall.
Closer to home, Corgan frequents Del Rio, an Italian restaurant in Highwood, Illinois. The establishment, originally a tango bar from the 1930s, has retained its vintage charm with original decor and a tin ceiling. Despite being a regular, Corgan’s gluten-free diet limits him to just one dish: gluten-free pasta. Nevertheless, he appreciates the restaurant as a relic that beautifully merges the past and present.
Corgan’s fascination with pop culture extends to the Bozeum, a museum dedicated to Bozo the Clown, a character that inspired The Simpsons’ Krusty the Clown. Invited by actor David Arquette, who owns the Bozo franchise, Corgan toured the Bozeum and was amazed by the extensive collection of Bozo memorabilia. The visit was a nostalgic trip back to a time when Bozo’s name was plastered on everything from toys to toothbrushes.
In the realm of music, Corgan is a fan of independent artist Kid Tigrrr, whose shoegaze style reminds him of bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. He recently enjoyed her song “Skin” and admires her bravery in performing solo with just a guitar. Though he hasn’t seen her live, her frequent Instagram posts make him feel connected to her music.
Corgan also finds inspiration in literature, particularly in Werner Herzog’s memoir “Every Man for Himself and God Against All.” Herzog’s calm recounting of life-threatening experiences, such as being trapped in a snowstorm on a dangerous mountain, resonates with Corgan. He appreciates Herzog’s laconic style, which mirrors the filmmaker’s approach to his craft.
Billy Corgan’s candidness extends to his views on contemporary culture. In a recent interview, he expressed his dismay at the current state of American society, questioning how a culture that once fought against the Nazis could now seem so inept. His unfiltered honesty is both refreshing and provocative, making for a riveting discussion.
Corgan’s intellectual curiosity spans a wide range of influences, from musicians like Stevie Nicks and Neil Young to painters like Francis Bacon and Otto Dix. He even delves into the complexities of modern communication, discussing how memes have become a form of warfare in today’s society. This reductionist culture, he argues, has led to a level of “dumb” that is hard to comprehend.
Despite the chaos of the modern world, Corgan finds solace in his music. His latest album, CYR, reflects both hope and despair, capturing the essence of 2020. He describes the album as musically upbeat and positive, a deliberate choice to create excitement in a time of uncertainty. Songs like “Adrenaline” and “Wrath” explore themes of disassociation and aggression, mirroring the fractured state of contemporary society.
Corgan’s ability to navigate these complex emotions and translate them into music is a testament to his artistic prowess. Whether through the Smashing Pumpkins’ cinematic soundscapes or his solo ventures, Billy Corgan continues to be a compelling voice in the cultural landscape.
