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Smashing Pumpkins Get Strange In Chicago

Mr. Corgan keeps us guessing. Photo by Jay Blakesberg.

by Addicted To Noise Chicago correspondent Matt Carmichael

The Smashing Pumpkins turned in a strong performance Sunday, finishing off their home-town stay on this tour. However, the show ended on a cryptic note. After their third encore, the extended 'Silverfuck' jam, Billy Corgan took a moment to reflect on the tour. "This is the tour we thought would never end," he said to the sold-out crowd at the Rosemont Horizon. He went on to praise the band for holding together despite the "irresponsible actions of two of our friends who shall remain nameless," referring of course to former drummer Jimmy Chamberlin who was fired after the drug-related death of Pumpkin keyboardist, Jonathan Melvoin.

What followed was what Corgan dubbed the "final communiqué from the Infinite Express." "We are murder, mayhem, malicious malcontents... misguided and misunderstood. This is the last glimpses and shines of what we started here in Chicago, nine years ago. Everything that follows from here is a different trip." He then had the house lights brought up so that everyone could share in the "special" moment before continuing: "Nine years ago we never dreamed we could play to this many people... No matter what happens, we shared this time together. It was special. It was great... We send you a message of love, trust, compassion and grace."

Then as they were walking off stage, D'Arcy stopped Corgan...