Billy Corgan on Aging in the Music Industry

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan talks about how it hurts him to see musical acts surviving on nostalgia and why sentimentalism is destroying the music industry.
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[@DevastatorJr]

You know, back in the grunge old days, I didn't really like Billy Corgan, I thought he was arrogant and smug. But after watching a couple of these videos, I'm starting to like him more and more. He's mostly right about all the stuff he's saying about the media and music industry, and Gish and Siamese Dream are two perfect albums, so he's got that going for him. Cheers Billy!

[@moonontheman1657]

Really? I liked him a lot more when he was younger than now.

[@delvallo9652]

your opinion

[@simonbarr9476]

I think he's getting with age - with his attitude and reduced size ego anyway

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

devastator jr: Gish and Pisces Iscariot are still my all-time favorite SP albums. Siamese Dream is a rung below but still a good album, but it's hurt by the fact that its singles are its best songs; while, every song on Gish is is worth listening to, and the album as a whole has a continuity that flows really well from opener to closer with not a dud in between. He got too ambitious with Melloncollie. Instead of a full double album, that effort could've benefited from some some of its tracks being left out of the final cut, reducing it down to a single LP with an accompanying EP of a few extra songs. Most bands that attempt the double album gimmick usually don't do it so quickly (5-10 years, minimum into the life of the band -- not within its first 5 years), and I think that this rush into putting one out negatively affected the overall quality of the final product. It feels, to me, like a sprawling collection of three or four incomplete partial albums haphazardly Frankensteined together as a singular piece that lacks a unifying vision/theme. Resultingly, the continuity from song to song to song from the opening to the closing track isn't nearly as cohesive as the earlier three albums.

[@gregrohs6688]

Meh he is a right wing douche that played a part even in his youth. Now he is doing the "look I put my band back together" making everything he is saying a complete line of bullshit.

[@dragonborn4045]

Wanted to see what Billy meant by "nostalgia", so I checked out the annual Summerland tour videos which featured package deals of 90's rock bands. Man, it was fucking painful to watch. I think a lot of people misunderstand Billy and his band and therefore relegate the Pumpkins to the 90's, simply because their only two hit albums happened in '93 and '95. However, if you listen closely to each album you'll realize that Billy has the genius ability to write songs that reflect the present he's in. Listen to how different Machina was compared to Gish. Gish sounds like 1991, and Machina sounds like 2000. Hell, Oceania and Monuments to an Elegy, while retaining the classic grandiose Pumpkins sound, don't sound like the 90's at all. Compare this to Blink-182, who, at about 40 years old now, still think they're in high school. Also, a lot of people misjudge the band's musicianship based on the band's hits. When people think of the Pumpkins they think of fuzzy power-chord alt-rock with a whiny voice, but with the Pumpkins I've found that "hit songs" tailor-made for the radio are only one form of song they could do. Like Led Zeppelin, their catalog also includes long jams, tender ballads, electronic experimentations, visceral rockers, and so much more. Most bands have one specific sound with little to no variation and their hits are not stylistically discernible from the rest of their catalog. Anyway, Billy Corgan is a fucking genius. And while you may not agree with his personality or his rants, you have to concede that there is value to what he is saying about artistic integrity. Contrary to popular belief, there is such thing as artistic progress, especially on a personal level. I think all artists should challenge themselves to keep creating fresh, exciting material, if not for others then simply to top themselves and be the best they can be.

[@burnikshrapnel]

Dragon Born candid and articulate people with strong opinions are generally regarded as "assholes" by average people. we need more guys like corgan to do what he does.

[@59mar]

Dragon Born BLINK?! IS AND WAS ALWAYS CRAP! HOW CAN YOU MENTION THEM HERE ?!?!?!

[@dragonborn4045]

59mar I agree. I mentioned them in comparison to the Pumpkins. The Pumpkins evolve. Blink-182 do not. Thus, Blink are not good artists.

[@racistnice4652]

Blink-182 did kind of evolve though. From hard straight 4/4 punk rock influence in Dude Ranch to the more complex and poppy Enema of the State. Then they matured and went to straight alternative emo with Self Titled. They didn't evolve as much as the Pumpkins of course, but it was noticable over time. I DO however agree that the recent tours are just cash grabs

[@loriefranklyn558]

I agree he's a genius. Not worried about his personality, I'm sure I will never meet him. But from here - he's awesome. Love his music.

[@Cynicayke]

This is why I like Billy. He understands that it's not just old music that's good, there's always good music, in any era. An attitude that so many people in their teens and 20's don't understand today, because anything that's new or modern is automatically uncool.

[@Jimbob-gw7jp]

The 90's was awesome, I don't care what anyone says.

[@Soldmysoulforablurayplayer]

They were, but they are gone, we are still here. Just enjoy now for what it is because in another 20 years you will be yearning to be here now.

[@coffeecomics3583]

Poóper Qayan - I am from the future. You are so wrong. We have the best of everything, & time travel too. We just go to the 80's & 90's & hang out & go to rock concerts. It's great!!!

[@lukemanor3613]

Coffee & Comics 😂

[@TheScottoline19]

Billy's still pissed about Range Life from 1994.

[@mountainjustice]

"out on tour with the Smashing Pumpkins nature kids, but they don't got no function I dont understand what they mean and I could really give a fuck..." - Pavement

[@gregrohs6688]

Ha@

[@Eliandro264]

Talented guy, but, he holds grudges like crazy.

[@alukuhito]

@@Eliandro264 Dude. You're hanging on to something he said almost 9 years ago. Besides, if somebody put you down in a song, yet that person was nowhere near as talented as you are, don't you think you'd have the right to bring that up once in a while? It's not like Billy constantly talks about that. You might though.

[@laroccacounty1]

Billy Corgan seems like a pretty cool cat.

[@adamray8371]

Philip Garcia Actually, he has a lot to say in this clip if you listen and follow along.

[@cheothegeo2742]

@AgentOfOblivion yes you are

[@fatherofall7036]

@ntw98 yes you are

[@andymahasongkham9423]

Mr. Corgan is a cool dude and very intelligent.

[@joshuaWEC]

I've been watching quite a few Billy Corgan interviews. It's been a real eye opener to me to check things out for myself before taking other peoples word to be true. I've heard from a few different people that Corgan is a huge jerk that's always rude to people. From the interviews I've watched, I don't see that at all. I haven't been able to find one example of him being an asshole or saying anything malicious. He seems like a really kind person, very smart too.

[@tokensoftokens]

I agree, he seems to be the most put together rocker I've ever seen.

[@acarlovonsexron1994]

He's both very smart/jerkish and sensitive. And an enormous douche. He's a complicated guy. I just read this funny old article excerpt from some magazine covering Soundgarden during Big Day Out 94, which Smashing Pumpkins was on, and there's a part where Kim Thayil is sitting at a bar, drinking beer, and Corgan walks up and first talking about how he USED to like Soundgarden and how he wants to make the next Pumpkins album "like 83-84 New Wave, instead of tangential, more like to the heart in the style of Echo and the Bunnymen", really sounding like an ass to old Black Flag loving Kim. Then Corgan tries to analyze him through some Astrological bullshit, egging Kim to give him his sign. Kim after long arguing finally gives him his birthday, and Corgan responds that he's a Virgo and that's why he's argumentative. Kim sharply answers back that "damn right I'm argumentative, you should've been told that since I've been arguing with you for half an hour, not because of any sign." Corgan responds, "I'm a Pisces, I pick up on these things." Corgan then starts talking about how he hates that magazines put him in the back of pictures, and Kim angrily says, "You wrote all the songs, you play all the instruments, you control the band to the point where most people think of the band as the Billy Corgan Expierience, why would you care about some photo," and Billy fucking says "It means they don't think I'm the cute one." Kim tears Billy limb to limb and then mocks him about how he's probably going to go back to his therapist in Chicago and cry about the big, mean bear man that made fun of him. Corgan walks away, visually upset, and comes back the next day right before the Pumpkins set telling Kim, I kid you not: "You hurt me deeply. You hurt me deeply in my heart." He then proceeded to play a knockout show. That's just BC for you. Between him and lady boy fashion model James Iha, I think D'Arcy was manlier.

[@Zettel9016]

So who's the douche? twenty something Billy or you bringing it up 20 years later in excruciating detail like it matters at all?

[@danellae.perezschmieloz5958]

I love Billy he's very insightful. The media did him dirty

[@poolboyinla]

Paevment was a great band that didn't really have many hits.

[@alukuhito]

I liked them, but they were pretty pretentious, and the lead singer's solo stuff is so boring.

[@pauldb707]

I love this guy. He is devastatingly honest.

[@amymuchko7106]

Me too. He is one public fugure I can certainly say that I love.

[@85points85]

F um Billy, you only go around once, life is not a rehearsal. Thank You for your music. Do what makes you happy. Not everyone gets to be "old", it's a gift, enjoy it.

[@quirkypurple]

Billy Corgan you fucking legend. What a great mind he has. I really agree with this message here.

[@Silvia-jy8zc]

He’s brutally honest and I respect that! 💯 He’s right.

[@crash2cute]

pavement = a classic band that will always be a classic band smashing pumpkins = a great band that is a shell of what they used to be (also see: guns n roses)

[@typicaldom8314]

alex holt underrated comment

[@lamentate07]

The biggest mistake we can make here is assume that when older people are talking about the way things were that they are simply just being nostalgic and yearning to relive their youth. It plays right into the hands of the corporations who prey on this kind of ageist bullshit. Yes your youth is a great period of discovery, and no doubt that many of us have fond memories, particularly those of us who grew up in more 'productive' decades. I remember the grunge and alt.rock explosion in the 90's. I was in my teens. It felt exciting because it was different and the labels were taking chances. The issue that many of us have now is that it seems so samey. There just doesn't seem to be much in the way of evolution with the exception of perhaps electronic music, but even much of that sounds recycled to my ears. If there was more great and innovative rock music made by the younger generation that I didn't like, that would be fine because I could at least respect it. But most of the rock you hear today produced by the under 30 crowd is just retro bullshit. At the end of day though, each generation has to find its own way. I do believe that in some respects the Gen Y's have dropped the cultural ball though.

[@devinmccreery8003]

When I get older, the biggest thing I don't wanna do is think about the past. That is not how I am at all. Where I am now is not that great anyhow. When your young and poor, you need to keep crappy jobs.

[@just2anomalous249]

***** I really liked what you just said and very much think you have a solid head on your shoulders lol I absolutely agree mate

[@omigosh7205]

***** Absolutely

[@SupesCoob]

+dios bananos There's a fair amount of very good stuff out there mate but you have to make the effort to look for it. You largely won't find it in the mainstream. When people decided to pirate instead of purchasing music they swapped the future of innovative music with the self gratification of getting something now & free. We can all see the consequences. If there's no money in it, it simply won't be backed, hence the saturation of easy to develop and sell music, pop, edm, party hip hop and the dearth of music types that typically take more development time and expense - rock, metal etc. It's basic economics. Your money has a voice, use it. I personally don't want to see any genre suffer. I just want variety in the mainstream.

[@danny355]

+SupesCoob That is one of the most interesting things i've ever read on YT, good work. What I really miss is the good stuff infiltrating the mainstream like it did in the 90s. It was so much more fun seeing a great band take over the world, rather than seeing great bands just about making a living which is what happens now. Care to point me in the direction of some "very good stuff" as you put it :)

[@GasolineSmellsGood]

Bill ain't dabbling in the member berries

[@manuelkong10]

everyone's Not afraid rock really is youth youth is a very particular outlook that really can't be recaptured when you're 50...only remembered and people look back sentimentally because they are looking back sentimentally at their youth meaning, an age,an era, a mentallity and what was part of their life at that time I understand he wants to move on as an artist but he's fighting human nature and won't win in some ways he sounds like a true punk and I like it in other ways I get sick of that psycho bable pop psychology crap

[@cyborgjohnny]

Right on, Billy!!! I'm in my 40's and stepping up with songs that talk about the fucked up the social issues of now. I'm still struggling. I'm still seeing a need for a voice for the oppressed, or misfits, or those with a different spin on things.

[@Zincink]

I thought this was an interesting critique. How can you grow as an Musician or Artist if you are not willing to experiment & create something new.

[@wonderland4515]

Exactly, artists (specially the ones who have been in the business for at least 10 years) constantly get criticised if they dont change their style people will say they have no versatility and all their stuff sounds the same but if they do change their style then people will say their quality got worse and that their earlier stuff was better

[@amymuchko7106]

I adore this person's realness and heart.

[@steverok67]

I really like what Billy has to say here. There is nothing more disappointing, for me, than to see alternative bands from my era descend into the dreaded "nostalgia act". That is the antithesis of everything that "alternative" is. I love what Belly did, in 2017, releasing the excellent "Dove" before they reformed and went back out on the road. It is reaffirming to me that some of these greats still "get it".

[@pinkbrisingr78]

I, along with many other musicians like myself, miss the 90's true ORIGINAL genres of rock. Billy Corgan is absolutely "bulletproof" in his views with the industry and as a musician! :)

[@samhogg2311]

Go Billy

[@kage1100]

billy c is inspirational

[@uboobly]

He's got a different position on it now in 2022 I would say and I'm happy for that

[@justmissjamey]

I might be getting old, but i love love love the punks old stuff and its had so much meaning to me, and got me through so much...call me centimental or what you will..but when stuff comes together (which does not happen often) but when it does..magic happens.....ive not heard a lot of magic these days..but the punks older stuff is just amazing, rocking, and so meaningful magic that it would be hard to compete with..jmho

[@shytguy]

You are smart billy. I agree. Really really really smart an a true artist an musician. I feel like pumpkins were always changing melodically but never for the wrong reasons. From zero's relentless rifts to tonight tonight's grand orchestral sound, to disarm's eerily dark acoustic sound topped off with billys amazing and unique voice really displayed not just a great grunge band but a master musician

[@websterbrandcoaching9724]

The issue is not just about artists waxing nostalgic as they age, but it's also more to do with the absence of a rise of something truly new and fresh. The younger generation is primarily fatherless and so many are desperate for inclusion, affirmation and belonging that very few have the self confidence to step out and express themselves and have real, true influence. Then factor in KZbin, where every random joe or jane can start a "channel" and beg people to subscribe... Problem is they want to be popular and claim to be an influencer without any of the work or blood, sweat and tears. Because of this, there is rarely real credibility in craft. This is where we land 15 to 20 years after we decided everyone gets a prize, kids only need a mother, and young adults are now emotional snowflakes...It is literally killing our culture, killing our entertainment and killing Hollywood. So with nothing new thats truly innovative, we look to the past and hold on.

[@ARWMusic]

Webster Branding Group dude there is sooo much good music out there. It is easier than ever to produce and release your own stuff. But it is double edged. It is harder to be discovered by others. Good music is out there but it is harder to find

[@amsluvs311]

I LOVE YOU BILLY>>do you remember me??universal city walk when you were doing the ZWAN show!

[@LarryHovis]

My respect for Billy's intellect knows no bounds. He's smart and I think I could have a meaningful, intellectual conversation with him.

[@JX1900XJ]

Spot on Billy, amen

[@SupersonicTartanDeathMachine1]

Billy is so honest, have to love it.

[@EFLRR96]

Corgan for President! I love this guy! Great music, everything!

[@rockhard2654]

this guys out there flapin hard

[@BBaldwin]

Im with you. Im 42, never cared much for SP, but his intellect and thoughtfulness is impressive. I'm doing to take some time to delve further into his music, as a result. Interestingly, Billy is NOT a hard leftist. Im a center-right guy politically and I can relate to much of what he espouses.

[@dhammaboy1203]

Haha - I love that he put a Pavement burn in there - the rivalry continues! Saying that Billy is a legend - now & then! I’d love to go to his Chicago Tea house one day!

[@MegaEdwardCullen01]

The point is, music in not really music today if it is not written by the musician and if it is just money driven, even though all artists then and now make money, the artists wrote it. You just rarely really hear any good real artists being promoted a lot. They are out there, they are just not seen as mainstream which is terrible. I rarely hear about the artists I enjoyed growing up. As much as I was not a huge Smashing Pumpkins fan, I appreciate (without strong language) what his message here is saying.

[@Lgykas]

Adore is my favorite album of SP very beautiful & goth because as a Vampyre Gothic lesbian I can relate to the moody gothic tones of adore love that album 💜

[@awhiteman1986]

i understand him as an artist myself he grew out of that and got bored with it.

[@Industrious1]

Billy seems to be pretty comfortable with himself and his music at this point in his career. I think this allows him to put the spotlight on a number of different area's of music media that people tend to ignore or choose not to think about.

[@AdelleRamcharan]

I ❤ Billy. Then and now. Even on the Alex Jones show..

[@smoove002]

fuck just listening to him talk makes me wanna start a rebellious band that just captures the essence of 90s grunge and has the respect from all critics and fans and the underground

[@juliejohnson3626]

When you have high intentions you elevate your self to a higher energy. No fear!!!!

[@juliejohnson3626]

I totally agree

[@Northernmight]

@@juliejohnson3626 You forgot to change accounts before you agreed with yourself. Better luck next time :P

[@angelaretrogirl743]

I will always love you Billy Corgan! I could listen to you talk for hours….and could listen to you sing a phone book. *dreamy sigh* You are amazing!!!

[@ms.junedianereynolds3607]

Billy Corgan: still not over the mention of his band in a 1994 Pavement song

[@rubbersole79]

'93 was huge for music if you ask me, and they were a big part of that.

[@KeithCasper]

Neil Young singing about Monsanto.

[@danm8039]

He is so fucking well spoken. He always has been. No censor required. Or Pun Intended.

[@jtoumai]

whether or not you like Billy Corgan personally, you gotta give it to him for being candid 0 honest about how he feels.

[@rickmorrow993]

Billy Corgan is one of the sharpest, most articulate and most interesting rock and roll stars since Frank Zappa. These kinds of interviews prove it. And he never went to college.

[@AZ-hg6kw]

I love Billy and the Pumpkins. He did however do an entire Gish-Mellon Collie anniversary tour. Soooo....he gets it.

[@Rightsideup]

I have never cared for this guy, seriously, never owned anything by him, and just stumbled across this. Totally gained some new respect as everything he said was 100% spot on!

[@coolbrando1]

Best interview ever!

[@Polpiv4tifish]

2:55 Yes! Can't stand the nostalgia brigade and their distorted "perfect" vision of the 90s.

[@TheHouseofKushTV]

What we have here is, simply put, a failure to accept and embrace reality. That particular habit has one very predictable consequence: suffering. The older I get, the less I'm inclined to deepen my own suffering... life dishes out enough as it is, why invent more problems? Disclaimer: I am nobody, and YMMV.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

He's guilty of making too much of it, but he does have a point in that nostalgia on it's own is meaningless and complacent. Corgan has a long history of being a noted jerk, but he sure is intelligent and interesting to listen to. I agree with others: I could listen to him talk for hours.

[@here4thedonuts]

His "point" is all over the place. He calls Pavement sellouts, but Billy's makes so much more money, and he cashed in on the Smashing Pumpkins name without the original lineup. You know what? These old songs meant something to people. If they make people feel good, then that is all the reason necessary for them.

[@VA-ph2ml]

if a song is new or old is not he issue, the issue is whether the song resonates with the individual.

[@noahpoops7140]

in the late 90's the music industry died. it was replaced by pop garbage which I believe was part of a social engineering program put into place for the same reasons billy states at the end of the video. the messages in music changes drastically almost over night from songs bout killing police, political uprising, drugs and so on to .. basically no message at all. it's not about the topics in general but about freedom and there actually being a message. the reason I think it is highly possibly social engineering,is that statistics show that music from around 1998 until current date has the lowest approval rating out of any other time period. meaning there is more people that think the 50s had better music than current date. yet, the drull industrialized music of today is somehow labeled popular? if it was a fair industry, "popular" music would be replaced over night with real artist with musical integrity. the only other possibility I can come up with is that the whole modern music industry is marketed towards 13 year old girls, which would be narrowing the market and is not the best business model.

[@Soldmysoulforablurayplayer]

There was plenty of trash pop in the early 90s too. Rednex, 2 unlimited, Stakka Bo, The Outhere Brothers, Nightcrawlers, Scootet. Way too much to mention. There will always be trash music, there will always be good music. You just have to sift through tonnes of shit to find one little gold nugget.

[@delvallo9652]

I agree to an extent that music INNOVATION died in the late 90s, but disagree that it was "replaced" by pop garbage. Pop garbage has always existed, and will continue to. You have to search for music that resonates with YOU.

[@zzzzimmers5046]

Right on the nose.

[@simonbarr9476]

Yep - the reason why there isnt as much political activism in music is hugely reduced numbers of distribution channels, thanks to goliath companies taking over each other - and only a few players in the media (radio, TV, internet, etc)

[@makaylarose2959]

mmm81 m I feel like we need another music movement to destroy the mainstream musical shit that is spewing on the radio every two seconds. It's always the same songs. The same dull, simple lyrics a five-year-old can come up with. (And Understand) And it's always the same mindless artists. Now you just need to look hot for them to put you on a stage. Where did the talent go? Where did the originality go? Right in the trash. We need to start a musical revolution to put an end to mainstream music. There is no music industry any more. There is no Hollywood. With that being said, #FuckMainstreamMusic

[@gabqc01]

This is beautiful !! thanks for all the good music Billy !

[@joao1988pedro]

sometimes he whines, sometimes he tells it like it is. I like this billy.

[@northernlights808]

....and now he’s about to do a greatest hits Pumpkins tour in 2018!

[@LD-rh3wo]

lol. Maybe that economic model isn’t so bad

[@Zettel9016]

Deliberately lying about the classic lineup Corgan mostly reformed in order to release the NEXT Pumpkins album is very revealing. You people are absolutely obsessed with Billy for some reason. Missing your lost youth perhaps?

[@desertstormchefnice9446]

22 years later and still pissed about Range Life? It wasn't even that bad. Get over it, Billy. Stone Temple Pilots forgot about it after a week.

[@zacharybaranek9492]

always keeps it simple and pure. diggit.

[@lewisaquilina91]

I think all musicians/artists should listen to MCIS and take influence from it. It helped break me down and now at 21 I'm hoping to front the "next SP/SG/Muse" from what I've learned... no pressure or anything. But at least I'm not afraid of making a fool of myself! xP

[@rav159]

Always with you Billy!

[@michael-seanxavierfoster7026]

He’s SO HANDSOME

[@TheInundation]

Malkmus and Corgan: in the ring! Who will win!?

[@clownnookie]

We've just been through one of the most tumultuous times in US history (2000-2008) and its after effects. I've really tried sticking it out with the Smashing Pumpkins, but I fully contend that their last five albums haven't come off as being 'radical' and they most definitely haven't 'changed shit up.' They've somehow lost their fire and have had more of a soporific effect on me than anything else.

[@davidmurray9580]

Maybe the smartest contemporary musician around, certainly one of the most talented. Would love to see him deliver this lecture to Jagger/Richards/Wood, as they sit there crossing and uncrossing their legs, stretching their ropey neck muscles and scratching their heads. Or even better, listening to Billy and Shane Macgowan engaged in "pleasant" conversation.

[@noelebbert9322]

i don't miss the old billy as much as the old pumpkins.. say what you will about his influence but in all of the high hours i've listened to siamese dream never have i got the sociopolitico vibe...... and it was great i hate listening to the news then political jargon right after in my music... it was good as an escape

[@benwherlock9869]

Both Pearl Jam AIC and Soundgarden have all released new albums recently. I don't understand his point about them only playing old stuff. Pearl Jam have actually been continually working since 1990.

[@Zettel9016]

Exactly.

[@BiggidyBtotheOPP]

tHIS DUDE is a good definition of musical artist

[@arlenmargolin1650]

Uncle Fester what a gesture

[@eqsheiky]

"The old days weren't that great"..bullshit. The early 90's were amazing, with a sense of possibility I don't remember hearing about from anyone but the youth of the 60's. There was a musical and cultural explosion that was positively invigorating, largely because it thrived on the quirky imperfection of people, rather than the well-groomed image of a promotion machine. Yeah, the machine was still there, but for a while, it bent to new rules.Diamonds sparkle because they slow the speed of light.

[@sinnerpeace]

honestly a message?? lol Nirvanna ??? I love the early 90"s i lived it and loved it...but there wasnt any message other than "fuck you I wont do what you told me!!!!"

[@marcpatrick6337]

Pearl Jam never phones in it and are not in any way a nostalgia act. Also, not every band wants to be political. Some people just want to play music.

[@orochi6312]

Grunge was about rebelling though, that’s the point he’s making

[@Dooality]

I can't stand his singing voice but this guy is SO FUCKING SPOT ON.

[@wateringcan2]

It's a birthmark; you can see it really prominently on the cover of The Future Embrace

[@4bumblebee4]

I understand what hes saying, but the rebellion and passion of the 90s is what he should be recreated, his newer work has slowly become more whimsical and passive. I think this is a reflection of his age, and that is fine. It just makes me sad.

[@sunnywitch13]

I feel so old. Time to accept it, though. I agree with Billy. I wouldn't want to see him playing at the county fair 30 years later. That would be embarrassing.

[@eduardotrevino1143]

Having said that, they do them cause it's profitable and because they have a good set-list of already well known classic to play live.Music is part of the entertainment business, live shows are paid events where the audience expects to be entertained by the band or artist. I don't think music is there to change society, I think it is there to inspire, entertain, stimulate our emotions,it fires up the imagination, personally it's my obsession,my passion but It's not a social or a political force

[@Surannhealz]

I think Corgan has the right intentions, but he is making a massive blunder here. His one and only goal, to be succesful, is to make a product that the consumer wants. He can call himself an artist, but it is a career and a business just like any other working joe or businessman. He needs to be marketable to the people willing to support him. If that means playing Disarm 25 years later, than you do that. He showed a lot of discontent for the "fans" in this interview. The fans are what provide him his livelihood and legacy. Don't let the"artist" think go to your head Billy.

[@lewisaquilina91]

Also, all this is so easy for the Billmeister to say... in an era where you'll be lucky to survive 3 years as a (successful) artist, let alone 2 or 3 decades! All my peers are fucking off to uni to do music, hoping to be "saved"... college was enough for me (too much dubstep whoring and inattentive lecturers), so I've stayed in my hometown, frantically trying not to fall under any pretence--whilst retaining any integrity.

[@DanielBrasher]

When you expect anything of music you expect too much.

[@DanielBrasher]

+Idiots cause music is fun lots of people take it too seriously. It's just a Josh Homme quote I really like

[@Thomasringpetersen]

Billy it’s just music. ❤️

[@Mindrex327]

Every Decade has had a new style to it in rock since the 1950's Blues and Elvis started Rock and roll, the 60's was the hippie sound, the 70's early heavy metal Led Zep, Black Sabbath, the 1980's Hair Metal, Rat, Poison , Bon Jovi ect, Then 1990's Grunge Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and of course The Smashing Pumpkins! The 90's is my Fav decade for all Rock music, so many great Albums came out around that time! But since 2000 or so, nothing of a Really New Sound has come out to define a 10 year period.I think the Reason is Everything has been written, nothing with staying power that people will listen to 25 years from now is coming out today. Do you really think people are going to care about Miley Cirus in 20 years ?? Hell no!I still listen to Siamese Dream today because that music was Groundbreaking and still feels awesome today, but "wreckingball" by miley I could give 2 craps about, nothing but useless twat selling. 2 years later no one will be listening to that pop garbage.I have not heard one Rock band the DEFINES the 2000-2010 period or the 2010 -2016 period so far, why because I really believe EVERY sound, style, and note has been written and anything "new" is just a rewrite of something old, sorry but prove me wrong.

[@pr3tty_in_p1nk]

RexallMetal the 00s had bands like the strokes and the white stripes come up.

[@Mindrex327]

Not saying the white stripes or strokes were bad, but not really ground breaking either. Both only had one "hit" so really just one hit wonders to be honest.

[@pr3tty_in_p1nk]

i wouldn't say one hit wonders. The strokes entire first album "Is this it" has been stated to be a "World changing moment". and Elephant was a phenomenal success.

[@Mindrex327]

ok Steve but can you name a decade by the sound, I think not, nothing has defined the last 20 years by a style, or movement in music, It just has not.

[@thevillainwasright2601]

i fucking love this man

[@globalmess33]

You tell it like it is Bill!

[@fuzzyone99]

And glibs like you love it! There's nothing wrong with encouragement of something better.

[@BlackStarKeepShining]

He's speaking so much truth here.

[@ricoadventuravideos]

but i agree with clownnookies comment..there is nothing stopping billy corgan from releasing an experimental noise record..one thing to understand to understand about what he is saying is that younger audiences drive the market and they should and there is nothing we can do about electronica..he could put out a dubstep record easily but then it would be like starting over. and he might lose everything..music is risky thats why it pays

[@glockbrothers]

Great video, I like how Billy Corgan talk about Rock, Artist, Filmmaker using their Freedom in Speech to change government from the outside in. Well at least why Freedom still exist.

[@Shyann1]

He's enlightening people.....he's a genius.

[@northbrookhistory]

yeah, with the original band it sold pretty well, you are right!

[@eduardotrevino1143]

I strongly agree with some of his points but disagree with others... I think it was great how he pointed out the thing about Pavement, about how they were profiting from their greatest hits tour, that was great cause there are certain bands that just won't accept that they care about money.On the other side, I don't think he's a good example of being innovative lately cause he reunited a cheap version of the Smashing Pumpkins, in that case why not just keep on with his solo tours?

[@chrisbrett1868]

Fuck that's a long series of posts. Bill kicks ass.

[@FacePoppies]

Wow, people really hate Billy Corgan from looking at these comments. I think he's a great artist, though I don't love everything he does. I do really like Oceania.

[@kalbi]

Billy, your music had a huge impact on my life. But I have to say: Stop worrying about what other people are doing. If you're genuinely happy with your life, there's no reason for the "F you" mentality. Get back to just letting your music speak for itself.

[@god563616]

I FEEL HIM 1000% VERY GOOD Dialogue.

[@NandoPena]

I understand what he is saying, but I feel like when I was a teenager and I obsessed over bands such as SP, as did my friends, even if I may have claimed that I appreciated the message of their music and the rebellion factor, in retrospect, I was a stupid fucking kid that didn't know what he was talking about and really just liked it as entertainment and as a way to fit in. He may be making art for the sake of expressing his views, but his core demographic does not consist of connoisseurs.