Forming the alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins during the late 1980s, Billy Corgan spent the last few decades navigating the music industry. Just last year, the band released its latest album with Aghori Mhori Mei. Continuing to perform and record, Corgan recently discussed his legacy in the music industry and how he believed Smashing Pumpkins was one of the “most misunderstood bands” in the history of rock and roll.
Appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Corgan discussed a wide range of topics including his mysterious connection to comedian Bill Burr. But when they turned to music, Corgan noted how he loved watching bands like Nickelback and Creed get their time in the spotlight after the years of hate. “You’re about to see that Nickelback and Creed are about to go on a huge run of business… They survived [the hate], and now comes the inevitable moment of, ‘It was really good’… they wrote a lot of great songs.”
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Watching those bands push through the hate over the years, Corgan thought the same of Smashing Pumpkins and his own legacy. “It’s kind of how I feel about my musical life. Time will tell my story much better than I did.” He added later, “We’re probably one of the most misunderstood bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. That sounds like a wrestling statement, but it’s fairly accurate.”
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Billy Corgan Cared Little About Making More Money
Although loving the career he fashioned on and off the stage, Corgan never sought the spotlight of fame. “Most people who are attracted to fame, they want to run towards the the shiny part of it. I was attracted to the non-shiny part, which is, ‘Okay, I’ll light myself on fire and let’s see what happens,’ or ‘I’ll light you on fire and let’s see what happens.’”
With Corgan noting that an entire generation supposedly forgot who he was, the singer felt it was his duty to carry on. “You’re supposed to carry some flag for a generation that doesn’t even know who it is anymore.”
Throughout his years with the Smashing Pumpkins, the record labels and music producers consistently wanted Corgan to give the fans what they wanted. “I’ve had a lot of the top people in the business sit me down one-on-one in a room and tell me ‘Just give them what they want. Your life will be a lot better, you’ll make more money.’”
Caring little about the money, Corgan declared, “I don’t give a f**k. I’m here because I’m a freak and I ain’t changing for anything.’”
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy)