Smashing Pumpkins reveal rare ‘Mellon Collie’ and ‘Gish’ at tour opener
Thirty years of sonic history deserves a celebration, and when the Smashing Pumpkins hit the stage on September 30th in Columbus, Ohio, they delivered exactly that. Kicking off their Rats in a Cage tour, the show was a masterclass in fan service, dredging up cherished tracks and rare gems from the legendary Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness era.
The evening was a deep dive into the archives, offering listeners a taste of the raw, sprawling brilliance that defined one of rock’s most iconic albums. Fans were treated to rarely heard tracks, including the haunting “Fuck You (An Ode to No One),” which hadn’t been played since 2007, alongside deep cuts like “Cupid de Locke” and “Galapagos,” which hadn’t seen the light of day for eighteen years. Even the beloved “By Starlight” made a special appearance, adding another layer to the nostalgic experience.
Beyond the core hits, the band pulled out some truly esoteric rarities. The setlist featured live debuts for “Machina, Machina,” drawn from the experimental Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, and the evocative “Sojourner” from the rock opera ATUM. Adding a historical wink, they also performed the ancient “Jesus Is the Sun“—a track long bootlegged but officially released in 2021.
The theme of staging a Mellon Collie-inspired performance is clearly not just a passing whim for the band; it’s a decade-long ambition finally realized. Frontman Billy Corgan has previously noted the vision, acknowledging the variance that comes with playing from such a deep catalog night after night.
The performance showcased the dynamic interplay of the band, with Corgan joined by core members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, alongside guitarists Kiki Wong and bassist Jack Bates. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring creative engine that drives the Pumpkins.
The legacy continues as the band continues their journey. The Rats in a Cage tour is scheduled to continue through November 12 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Furthermore, the Pumpkins are set to take the stage at the Darker Waves festival in Huntington Beach, California, where they will share the stage with legends like Morrissey, Simple Minds, and the Psychedelic Furs.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Corgan has recently shed some light on the band’s recent musical activities. He revealed that the Pumpkins recently logged studio time with the famed Gish/Siamese Dream producer Butch Vig for the first time in thirty-three years. And the exciting news is that one of those sessions is slated for release soon, promising even more material to explore the rich tapestry of their sound.
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