Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins - VIP Q&A

Billy Corgan holds a question and answer session during The Smashing Pumpkins VIP Experience at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois on August 8, 2015. The questions aren't really audible, but you can figure out the gist from his answers.

[@darrenclark9776]

we are so lucky to have artists like this that will speak directly and realistically to an audience. Billy is not a fake.

[@StevenWalker-ns5ii]

Darren Clark he does like the sound of his own voice sometimes

[@lostamericanhistory2536]

@Careful Icarus probably because how Corgan has acted in the past. Its good to see him come down from his high horse, or what seemed to be a high horse. Seems like a really good guy now

[@evanjolley1279]

i hate how the realist people get dragged

[@aspaceproductions]

@@lostamericanhistory2536 Billy claims that a lot of that shit was trolling and that they were trying to play the part of a crazy wild rock band. Obviously he could be trying to save face but I definitely believe him. He has time and time again shown he cares more about being authentically himself than the fame and praise. The Smashing Punpkins could've just became a beloved greatest hots band and continued to play arenas but they chose to take risks and focus on continuing to make new music instead of living in the past.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@aspaceproductions And they still make double albums in an age where millennials just wanna stream music on KZbin or TikTok on their phone speakers in tha background. It's depressing.

[@rrr-sr2du]

I could listen to him talking endelessly

[@stephenkozak7422]

rrr your wish is granted lol

[@christopherbriscoe3308]

+Stephen Kozak You're a real joker. Lol!

[@FoundingFathers-hb4tj]

Billy corrigan interview

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

Same!!!

[@shplog2]

I appreciate Billy's existence. Always well spoken and no matter what his opinion is, he's not afraid to say it. He's earned more respect from me than I can measure.

[@mypathunfolding]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I asked the first question: "What makes you happy?" or something to that effect. Then he asked me if I thought he was unhappy, and I said, "No," with a questioning smile. When he started talking about first responders being in their "purpose," I thought I'd mention that I'm a therapist, to which he responded, "God Bless You," and then my life was complete. 🙂

[@sticksman1979]

Smartest man in rock. Could listen to him all day, which is pretty much what I've done today.

[@sonicjet7759]

Billy Corgan could of been a university professor or go on to become an astronaunt or the President Of The United States Of America :)

[@ASDF-sc1or]

@Joel Koll And Billy's no exception. Imagine being dumb enough to believe in chemtrails.

[@Crimsonphilosophy]

smartest rock star.

[@teamjuly6685]

I just love Billy Corgan so much :)

[@tylermeuninck4652]

Perseverance and irrepressible momentum, Billy seems to be one of the most exemplary musicians from the early 90's to date that can keep pushing forward and has an unquenchable thirst to innovate. I think he's a great example to follow for old and new fans. He doesn't use drugs, is obstinate and unyielding in his vision. Over the last year I have gone though his catalog on you tube alone and it's gigantic. There are so many incredible rare songs that haven't entered the studio. There really are 20 to 60 songs that may or may not make it on an album. I always thought he was maybe exaggerating a little, or rather speaking in hyperbole as we all sometimes do, but the material exists and it's baffling. - Also agree, this guys speech is just as good as a professor and having watched some of these VIP interviews the guy changes his mind a lot for the better. Makes a point then reiterates, edits and gives a better explanation with greater clarity.

[@chocomanger6873]

Other than his solo album and the Zwan album, I find it incredibly difficult to listen to any music he's made with the Smashing Pumpkins past their original breakup.

[@dynjarren7523]

Choco Manger I feel the same way because his new music is terrible.

[@JakeWitmer]

Really, this is just an answer session, since you can't hear any of the no microphone questions.

[@tomasmartosvevoahre7799]

The most eloquent speaker in rock music since Frank Zappa. I would buy records of him speaking.

[@quavde]

Billy Corgan is such a nice dude...

[@helixfire1198]

yeah i dont understand why the media always tore him up especially since hes so bright creative authentic and insightful. and cute.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@helixfire1198 They hated the character of Billy that he played with the SP .

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

This is so awesome ❤❤❤ thanks for sharing!!!

[@domais68]

It's really nice to hear a rock star speak with this level of thoughtfulness and sincerity. Billy C. is a gifted musician but he's also a very bright man. His era of music produced so many greats, sadly, many of which lived short lives. I'm sure Corgan did his share of drugs but my understanding is he didn't go too deep because of bad experiences growing up around his father's drug addiction. I just saw him on Joe Rogan's podcast and he was great. He told some stories that were pure gold. His Dennis Rodman/Phil Jackson experiences are hilarious. Thanks for posting this clip.

[@sonicjet7759]

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins and Greg Graffin of Bad Religion are both some of the smartest people in rock music / punk rock music / alternative rock music today.

[@helixfire1198]

Thank you Billy. Your commentary on supporting our vets and how to understnd their experiences actually has helped me contextualize and try to better to "be in their shoes" specifically for a vet that i know and care about. Also thank you for your insight on culture, music, amd our society. you are a gem.

[@robdogg1076]

Been a fan since 1994 and I don't get this new everything Pop shit either I wanna Rock

[@zachhiggins1668]

Billy is fucking amazing because where he knows his shit he is unparalleled at being able to communicate it. He doesnt have everything right, but when hes spot on he gets it across. Like a great teacher

[@alt94rock44]

Billy! What a great and humble guy!

[@romerosneck]

Corgans insights are so interesting!

[@melodyglenn3366]

Great interview Billy

[@Michael-bl4no]

Well spoken and reflective artist.

[@robdogg1076]

Billy THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME PERIOD

[@minifignick938]

Wonderful

[@robdogg1076]

The great pumpkin

[@meglea7065]

I just think he is so precious and adorable. AAAHHH!!!!

[@helixfire1198]

he's still cute as hell

[@GoCotton]

Im totally out of the SP loop but I'll always have time for Billy Corgan. Been watching so many recent interviews and these VIP things, I find them weirdly fascinating. Im loving the stuff hes getting into around the 18 minute mark...Pull your socks up counter culture, it's no fun existing on the edges, get you hands dirty break into the mainstream and get massive again

[@Nautilus1972]

Hexen! That was a great game on the PC.

[@dannyd1224]

listening to him just makes me wanna pick up my guitar in hopes i could one day impress him lol

[@EdieSexwitch]

I'm surprised Billy hasn't gone into musical scores for movies. I think he'd be good at that.

[@aaronpollard7207]

He did the soundtrack for Ransom, Stigmata, and Spun (with Zwan)

[@Michael-bl4no]

Stigmata?

[@helixfire1198]

he has!! he did!!

[@c_monster429]

Hero

[@veerchasm1]

Wish I could hear the questions

[@coreyfisher2542]

Billy is essentially correct on an astonishing number of topics.

[@mixmastermonte]

Wish someone had thought to tell him to restate the question. Wish I knew what he was talking about

[@johnschumacherAlphameric]

bILLY IS gREAT!

[@jimmypittman4609]

The song zero you said it's lonely on top doesn't look that lonely from here have a blessed night

[@Zeroini]

He's making me feel old. \

[@Guitarded]

too bad they didn't buy two microphones. damn

[@paulgilbert4]

What camera was used for this? It looks great!

[@jennyjaney2875]

Lol when he said Reeanna.cute !

[@helixfire1198]

rihanna makes great pop songs

[@OrchestralOrg]

14:07 yes!!! LMAO

[@kristaunger2034]

I wish I could hear the questions 😩 I want him to be my college music teacher

[@OrchestralOrg]

wanna know something, billy? i said it a few years ago: something very new is going to be born soon. remember when grunge was born? something new is coming. new sound.

[@greckendale]

+mindnumber9 You're right man.

[@OrchestralOrg]

shane parry just a strong intuition, but i can say that i was flooded in the month of august with a lot of new-to-me sounds. really great music i found last month. post-rock is the most recent new genre i've found over the past few years. but something tells me something really, really new is coming.

[@SrSacaninha]

Has it been born yet?

[@chocomanger6873]

Grunge wasn't really a new sound though. Smells Like Teen Spirit is basically More Than a Feeling. People dressed that way in the northwest for years, so the fashion wasn't new either. We have to remember too that the days of one band dominating the music scene are over. We have the internet now, which has democratized things. Anyone can put out music anywhere. Anyone can listen to anything. The Pumpkins got big when record companies a nd radio still played a huge part in rock music. People basically listened to what was available on the radio. If you made it on the radio, you could tour. If you didn't, tough luck. You maybe could get a break once in a while, but there's nothing to break now. Things are getting equalized. In the 70s it was just about a very limited small number of bands that "made it", and they made it huge. That simply can't happen anymore.

[@bbomg02]

Yeah I can kind of tell he's had/has depression. This chat in itself was kind of depressing. Cause I think a new wave of rock is coming. The more I look at some bands like Highly Suspect, Wolf Alice, and The Weaks. There also is still the band Senium if you want the old edge to music. I see potential it just doesn't shine as much as it used to like 8 years ago or so. But, he has a different voice than I expected lol.

[@alsavantjes]

you should just start a podcast Billy? You have a great voice

[@alsavantjes]

what that musician? hes not a nusician he's a magician according to Suki. glad there are some intelligent artists still left in this world thanks billy!

[@kristopherryanwatson]

i find that the audio is damned low !

[@JeffsBestHemp]

Yes

[@VarynDEE33t]

I want whatever this guy is taking

[@Vibeagain]

Why do you say that? His mental acuity? As someone in higher education I find it fascinating that performers and artists can't just collect their thoughts and do better. Mr Bowie never let us down. No, Corgan isn't exemplary, he's where the pack really ought to be.

[@factsdontcareaboutyourfeel9576]

He should tour a la jordan peterson. Just speaking truth...

[@helixfire1198]

renember to buy his book, billy wrote poetry.

[@spiveyjeremya]

After so much reality and brains, it feels stupid to say say this, but Fuck Yeah!

[@mikeanthony589]

Fck it lets start a band. Who's in?

[@kingswit]

I could have sworn this guy was English (nationality, I know for a fact he is ethnically)

[@jimmypittman4609]

Well I wish I had it that good Billy been through a lot of bad stuff now I like to see God has blessed you a lot man lucky you well lucky you and your success helps make that better too so yeah sad when I can't get love can't find love and I get made fun of inbox internet just trying to be known as a musician like yourself man can't get recognition sucks anyway man have fun man I wish we can all be as good as you know

[@Vibeagain]

I think you are lovely but wish you would use punctuation better

[@JakeWitmer]

@23:55 Corgan is a selector of truth. Like much IDM, like Clark.

[@guineveremoonmist1060]

Hey SMAILTRONIC did you record this ?

[@sjin8896]

I can’t hear the questions!!!!

[@davidegoal]

Okay but what's the fucking question!!!!!!?

[@rodtoddpolevaultersinc.7272]

VIP means 'Very Important Person'. I'm assuming this is an attempt at irony on behalf of the organizers?

[@Vibeagain]

You don't think Mr Corgan with his accomplishments in music and helping to spur the swell of alt-rock, and all the intellectual and cultural contribution since then, you would deem him as in fact *not one of the important, or 'influencers' amongst us? You're stoned

[@Nautilus1972]

15:05 Tripping on ecstacy???? WTF?

[@LaceAndCorsets]

Or you could be a producer?

[@drtoboggan7469]

Billy your soma solo could've went on for 20 mins and I think we can all agree would have been fine with us. P,s. I love listening to u speak u should build on that your to far behind the curtain on your current endeavors.

[@dantelinden986]

i listen to john frusciante, only met one other fan #counterculture

[@DavidOakesMusic]

What he said about millennial music is 100%spot on. Sh*t like Ed Sheeran is literally a 4 bar loop for 4 and a half minutes with the most basic vocal melody and the laziest delivery.

[@susanooizuna5052]

i don understand why nobody ask him why its to complicated reach the mellon collie - level again his "golden era" ?

[@thehahamen2]

Did he just call Rihanna.....Rih-aaaana?

[@JakeWitmer]

@20:00 One "solution" would be for rock music to grow a brain and focus on universal truths. ...Oh, wait, this is America, where the government has bred away the spirit of 1776.

[@jimmypittman4609]

I'll say this right the chicks in your band a very hot and you're a cool dude you're lucky to have all that man I wish I had it like that bro I really do man I would love some hot chicks beside me like yo hey you know but this haters and sad and greedy industries not saying you're in one of them but they're out there man just saying man they like to look down on people like me and stop us from succeeding probably people like someone you used to be man just like you before you was famous

[@jackienemecheck4676]

Did Corgin sayGod Bless you? Thought he was a Satanist

[@armanzahedi1565]

No, he was a bit nihilistic back in the 90s but he's very open in interviews that he follows Christian faith.

[@cuzzinbri]

Shy? Pretentious? Both????

[@helixfire1198]

so hot #sapiosexual

[@jimmypittman4609]

Then when you're not famous and you're trying to get famous people quote your fake you're a fraud and I'm not I'm just trying to put my stuff out there and get paid just like you do or anyone else or help people that do struggle struggle with stuff you probably never struggle but song about you song gave me hope man now I'm not so sure though you know I don't agree with all your audience may not always be like me dude cuz everybody's different you know but I think everybody deserves a chance regardless

[@jimmypittman4609]

Sorry man you know you're awesome right it's just how I struggle okay in life I really really do man and I just want to be happy like everybody else man

[@jimmypittman4609]

Can you be fake if you speak of real stuff real life stuff and music and fame how can you be fake if you're not copyrighting I'm not copyrighting your music I would never steal your music dude because I'd rather keep it original why to show you love man I don't want to make you mad I just want all of us to be happy I don't understand all the you know it's crazy man you know there's a lot of instigators out there too so be careful what your fans are really your fans or instigators too you never know man you never know I'm not I'm a real dude an artist like yourself I draw I sing I rap I get hated in love mostly hated mostly hated but I still try to spread that love that you know of that seems to be so hard for people like me to find it's sad really

[@Nautilus1972]

I'm back connecting with WPC .... I had to wait until he was an old bastard like me before I wanted to hear what he had to say. Glad to hear he doesn't like Millennial culture either. Their values ....

[@knife-chase]

How he can go on about millennial culture like he is after JUST saying he worked with the drummer of the brain dead band motley crue is fascinating. Also singling our acts like the doors and the dead when just as well there was Sha Na Na and the I Want Candy band... and motley crue... is interesting. He doesn’t bother mentioning deeper newer acts like Kendrick or even someone like Lana Del Rey who has a very obvious through line to much older styles of music.

[@helixfire1198]

i dont understand your criticism especially since he was being complimentary.

[@GnomeChomsky9999]

@@helixfire1198 I think his point was that the majority of popular music has been empty trash. Nothing changed..

[@chocomanger6873]

I like him very much, but other than his solo album and the Zwan album, I find it incredibly difficult to listen to any music he's made with the Smashing Pumpkins past their original breakup. It's too bad D'arcy is being such a poor sport and went down the wrong path in life. It would've been great to see her on the reunion tour. What can they really do though as a band from now on? They're like the Stones or the Who. Amazing in their prime, and great to see with the reunion tours, but... it's probably better just not to make any more new music as a band.

[@helixfire1198]

youre too hung up on the personalities and 90's marketing because if you close your eyes and listen to the music, it is sonically uncompromising, expansive, and awesome. too bad youre stuck in a mental music purgatory.

[@tylerkelly9801]

Shouldn’t be wearing a hood like that at 50 yrs old

[@joshm2690]

He should and is .

[@tylerkelly9801]

J Maier then that’s what’s wrong with people in general

[@joshm2690]

@@tylerkelly9801 That he has a hood on his shirt incase it gets a little cold ? I think you are a nut case . lol

[@papadelta9485]

lol who gives a fuck? if that's something you put energy into hating youre a moron

[@tylerkelly9801]

matt vacante that’s your opinion! Who the fuck are u to tell me what to waste energy hating on?? Cmon now!