Smashing Pumpkins

by Nick Wise

A biography of Chicago's Smashing Pumpkins, who have quickly slid into the spotlight once occupied by Nirvana. Contrasting their trademark wall of sound and bone-crunching riffs against frail emotive vocals and serene melodies, the Pumpkins have emerged to intrigue metal heads, punks and pop listeners alike. Tyranically fronted and controlled by singer/guitarist and principal songwriter Billy Corgan, the Pumpkins' story is riddled with strife and aggression. Drug dependence and consequent inertia within the band have caused Corgan to fire and re-hire them, and he often works alone in the studio. Observers suggest that Corgan is on the verge of becoming a solo artist. Corgan wouldn't disagree. This book follows the band from its formation and early recordings, through "Gish" to the eventual multi-platinum success of their monolithic album "Siamese Dream". It also explores the Pumpkins androgyny, relations within the band, their musical influences and the reasons and motives behind their work.

Genres: Music

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994