Smashing Pumpkins...SuperZeros!

Formed in 1988, Billy and James were the first two members. Making their debut in a polish bar in Chicago, Billy on bass and a drum machine keeping time. Billy soon met D'Arcy on the street, and got into an argument with her, but the dispute was soon ended when Billy discovered that she played guitar. Not long after, she became the third Pumpkin.

They were getting popular and were soon asked to open for Jane's Addiction, as long as they traded in the drum machine for a real drummer. They met Jimmy through some friends and completed the band.

Gish, their first album was a success on the college charts, but during the tour, the Smashing Pumpkins learned of each others differences. D'Arcy and James ended a relationship and Jimmy battled with drugs and alcohol, which caused great emotional strains upon the band. Along with this, Billy was having emotional struggles, and became suicidal. The immense exertion upon him, lead him into a nervous breakdown.

Billy eventually found his way out of depression by directing it into his songs. Yet, since the band was still distant, Billy played most of the guitar and bass parts himself which left D'Arcy and James out of the picture. This is an action Billy now says he regrets. After returning from the Siamese Dream tour the band had exceedingly improved, and they were communicating a lot better with each other.

They have just finished the MCIS Tour, which literally brought infinite sadness. Such great tragedies occurred that it was thought it was surely the end of the Smashing Pumpkins. But their strength shined through as it always had.

The death of a 17 year-old girl was only the beginning. They realized how dangerous moshing was, and did not permit it at the rest of their shows. Billy announced his disliking for the concert activity while performing at the Double Door in Chicago.

During the recent tour, Jimmy and touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin were caught taking drugs, but were only warned. Nevertheless on July 12th, tragedy struck, Jonathan died of a heroin overdose while in a hotel. Jimmy who was with him had tried desperately to revive him, but failed. Due to the urgency of this dilemma, many of the concerts were postponed, and a decision was to be made. On July 17, Jimmy Chamberlin was dismissed from the Smashing Pumpkins. But even with this devastation, the Pumpkins continued. They hired touring drummer Matt Walker from Filter, and keyboardist Dennis Flemoin from the Frogs.

Now that their thirteen month tour is complete, they have said to have been back into the recording studio. Billy going solo and releasing a few songs on the Ransom soundtrack, and the Smashing Pumpkins recorded a song entitled "eye", for the Lost Hiways soundtrack. Along with these new releases, they have also made many appearances, including David Bowie’s Birthday, Conan O’Brien, and the Regis and Kathie Lee Show.

The Smashing Pumpkins, a powerful and epic band. They have shown their power, and that they’re not going to let anyone destroy them. I guess it’s like what Billy said at the Vancouver show. "We are, have been, and always will be the Smashing Pumpkins."

i guess this is what drew me to the Smashing Pumpkins. Because they are so strong. That is why i consider Billy my hero, because he's gone through so so much crap, and came out stronger. And when i heard of Billy's brother, i knew he must be a very good person. No matter what people say, you are who you are, and no one can ever change that. You should be proud, who cares what others say, if they can't except you, or your beliefs...they don't deserve you as a friend.