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Review: The Smashing Pumpkins at the Backyard

By Damon Garcia | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 04:41 PM

The Smashing Pumpkins have not played Austin since a May 2000 show at the Austin Music Hall during the “Machina” tour, a long wait for fans. The Backyard provided the right amount of intimacy Tuesday night to showcase the band’s sound and enhance the crispness of their more melodic beats.

Problems at the gate were an early nuisance, as many found themselves in a long line to park, followed by a 10-minute uphill trek to reach the gates. Already irritated, many were turned back by security to return cameras to their cars.

Being one of the unfortunate late attendees, I arrived to see the Smashing Pumpkins already playing. The band was clothed in all white, with lead singer/guitarist Billy Corgan in white scrubs with a black and white striped long-sleeved undershirt complemented with matching knee-high socks.

About midway through the show, Corgan channeled his softer, poetic side during the light melodic tracks “1979,” “Today” and “Stand Inside your love.” Drummer Jimmy Chamberlain displayed his signature driving backbeat jazzlike flourishes during “Zero.” Corgan smiled and nodded at his longtime friend and drummer as if to say, “on point as usual.” Then as quick and softly as the poet emerged, he was gone and an abrasive, much more intense Corgan unleashed shrieking yells upon the crowd. The new members of the group, bassist Ginger Reyes and guitarist Jeff Schroeder, matched the energy of Corgan and Chamberlain. Pure blissful prog-rock chaos hit the audience when duel guitar solos were showcased in “Heavy Metal Machine.” Just what I was waiting to hear from the Chicago band.

The crowd, on the other hand, did not match the band’s energy. Corgan attempted to interact with the crowd, but he was met with many blank faces. Only about a quarter of the crowd knew enough of the words to sing along and began filtering out just before the encore. The younger members of the audience didn’t seem familiar with the music, so they followed suit and cut their evening short.

By the end of the night, three quarters of the crowd remained, and were rewarded with some rarities and older hits, including “Cherub Rock” off 1993’s “Siamese Dream.” The band left the stage and appeared to be finished. However, not one person moved as they chanted for a second encore. Their chants were answered. The Pumpkins finished with “Lucky 13,” “I Only Play for Money,” “Taxman,” a Beatles cover and finally, “Disarm.” The crowd was left in awe, yearning for more.

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