Smashing Pumpkins

When Billy Corgan took out a full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune to announce the reformation of Smashing Pumpkins, few would have guessed that we would get Zwan instead. But perhaps it was just wishful thinking on our part. After all, this reincarnation of Smashing Pumpkins did feature the very same members as the short-lived Zwan—Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Zeitgeist, released earlier this summer, sadly proved the skeptics right—as Corgan managed to drown out multi-tracked guitars with his own nasal whine. Of course, it's doubtful that anyone will be attending Tuesday night's show in the hopes of hearing a particularly stirring rendition of "United States." And fortunately, Corgan isn't too proud to indulge nostalgia, at least if recent set lists are any indication. He may no longer be the star he once was, but he's still apparently enough to wish upon.
Tue., Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m., 2007