As of this writing Billy Corgan, lead singer of the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins turns 55 years old. Corgan has been a popular figure as of the early 90’s grunge phenomenon that swept the youth of the world. Alongside bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and L7, The Smashing Pumpkins defined a generation with their music and at the forefront was Billy Corgan.
In Chicago of 1988 Billy Corgan formed The Smashing Pumpkins alongside bass guitarist D’arcy Wretzky, guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. In May of 1991, the band released their first studio album titled Gish. Songs on the album such as Siva and Rhinoceros helped launch the band’s popularity to new heights.
By 1993 The Smashing Pumpkins were arguably at their peak, however Billy Corgan continued to deal with mental health concerns that he states are an effect from childhood trauma. Corgan, who suffers from O.C.D and depression, was having suicidal thoughts at this time; and it is apparent in their album Siamese Dreams of that same year. The hit single Today, which landed the number 4 spot on Billboard’s Alternative Airway chart. The song is about how Corgan realized he no longer wanted to live, which was the greatest day of his life. The upbeat instrumentals would have any listener blissfully unaware of the dark tones of the song. The music video consists of Billy Corgan dressed as an ice cream man driving through a desert with a hitchhiker.
Corgan’s unique and depressive approach to music made for many comparisons to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, arguably the biggest rock star in the world at the time. In 1995 The Smashing Pumpkins released their third studio album Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness, which has gone on to be the band’s most well known and successful album. The single Bullet with Butterfly Wings reached number 22 on the billboard’s hot 100 and is easily their most well known song.
Corgan continued making music throughout the 2000’s either in the Pumpkins or by himself. As of late, Corgan’s music has taken a back seat so that he could focus on other projects. As of 2017 Billy Corgan became the sole owner of the National Wrestling Alliance, which runs a weekly taping. They occasionally have Pay Per Views throughout the year.
Whether a fan of his music or a fan of his work in the NWA, it’s easy to see the creative genius within Billy Corgan. Without his stylistic approach the nineties alternative rock movement wouldn’t have been anywhere near as big as it was. And his recent work as a mental health advocate makes him a very likable figure you want to see succeed, and succeed he has.