The Smashing Pumpkins, currently on the road with the acoustic-electro tour “In Plainsong,” marked a historical reunion in March 2016 during their stop in Los Angeles when guitarist James Iha took the stage at the Ace Hotel Theatre after 16 years of being away from the band.
Singer Billy Corgan introduced Iha after an acoustic intro, which included a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” performed alongside Jeff Schroeder, Pumpkins’ guitar player since 2007.
“Yes, it’s James Iha!” said Corgan to a euphoric audience. For those who are not familiar, the Smashing Pumpkins’ first performance originally consisted of only Corgan and Iha playing with a drum machine.
“We like to feature an album every night, kind of do some of the songs from a particular era. In the past we’ve done Adore, we’ve done Mellon Collie, but tonight we will be doing songs from Siamese Dream.”
Corgan also covered “Malibu,” a song he co-wrote with Courtney Love, and the Rolling Stone’s ballad “Angie” before blasting “Happy Birthday to You” in homage to Iha’s 48th birthday.
For more information or to check out Smashing Pumpkins tour dates, visit smashingpumpkinsnexus.com.
Text and Photos by Paula Tripodi
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