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Guitarist and songwriter Billy Corgan, also the frontman of the rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins, shared his thoughts about the music group. In a recent episode on the podcast with Joe Rogan, Corgan discussed his experiences as a musician. When Rogan pointed out that the band had done commendable work, Corgan said:
“Well, Joe. That’s a whole other episode because the band is probably one of the most misunderstood.”
Billy Corgan continued:
“We are probably one of the most misunderstood bands in the history of rock and roll. That sounds like a wrestling statement but it’s fairly accurate.”
Rogan then inquired why he felt so to which Billy Corgan pointed out that it was because of Gen X. Besides that, he felt it had something to do with the relationship with the media. As a young person, he played funny games, similar to entertainers Andy Kaufman and Bob Zmuda. He added:
“Because I thought it was all sh*tty so I was just like I am just going to play with this like a toy because I think it’s kind of funny. I didn’t realize the coming culture was going to kind of almost be attracted to people who are willing to immolate themselves on the public stage.”
Billy Corgan shared that while many chase the glamorous side of fame, he is drawn to its darker, less appealing aspects. This perspective worked well in the '90s when the music industry was thriving.
However, with the rise of Napster, shifts in the business, and the loss of key figures, he found himself at 40 carrying the weight of a generation that seemed to have lost its sense of identity.
Billy Corgan did not want to change his work to meet newer expectations
Joe Rogan asked whether he was troubled by the new trend and Corgan agreed it was difficult. Billy Corgan recalled that top music industry executives advised him to cater to expectations, promising an easier life, more money, and peace of mind. However, he always dismissed the idea, refusing to compromise his artistic vision. He added:
“I am here because I am a freak, okay? And I ain't changing it for anything.”
Billy Corgan added that a part of this trait goes back to his father as he saw him getting shattered by his business. Hence, he said he would not bow down to that. Rogan pointed out that Corgan always had an audience to which he responded:
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“Well, there is that but at the end of the day, how can I explain it? Everybody in the music business will tell you your value is exponentially related to your success so your biggest song is here (gesturing) and your next biggest song is here (gesturing). And there’s like a pyramid and as you go down, you lose value. Your aging becomes a part of that loss of value.”
Joe Rogan reflected on The Smashing Pumpkins' success, mentioning how they burst onto the scene and became popular gradually to the point that the band got accustomed to it. Billy Corgan hinted that Rogan normalized the insanity of standing before 10,000 people.
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