Live Review: The Smashing Pumpkins at Chicago's Thalia Hall (11/26) — consequenceofsound.net

A few weeks ago, Anderson Cooper called Billy Corgan out for what he thought was questionable behavior (to say the least) for an alternative icon. Opening a tea shop in the suburbs? Taping furniture store commercials? Posing for photo shoots with kittens? Why, that doesn’t seem very rock and roll at all! But he just isn’t the rage-filled, wilting flower he was 20 years ago. Thank god. Seven years after reviving the Smashing Pumpkins moniker, it’s clear that Corgan is in a pretty great place right now (and not just because he can sell out of “FUCK ANDERSON COOPER” t-shirts featuring his cats). But rather than trying to begrudge him for doing whatever eccentric things float his boat, it’s time to recognize that he’s able to do some of his best work when he’s feeling fulfilled.

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