Billy Corgan
has dedicated more than thirty years to transforming alternative rock, establishing a legacy as daring and unyielding as his sound. Starting from the hazy dreamscape of
Siamese Dream
reflecting the vast scope of
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
– a No. 1 200 smash — his work reads like an intense hallucination of a journal, with every album representing an unending quest for significance in a rapidly shifting universe.
With
The Magnificent Others
In his newest venture into extended narrative, Corgan taps into that persistent sense of wonder to engage in open, unrestricted dialogues with some of the music industry’s most intriguing personalities. With guests such as songwriting maestro Diane Warren, rock icon Gene Simmons, guitar virtuoso Wolfgang Van Halen, activist-musician Tom Morello, and powerhouse vocalist Pat Benatar, this podcast transcends mere celebrity mentions—it offers an immersive exploration into lesser-known tales from the world of music.
“As it turns out, this isn’t much different from who I am in my everyday life,” says Corgan.
I’ve had the good fortune over the years to converse with numerous famous and accomplished individuals, which makes my approach quite similar to what it would be if we were simply chatting at a dinner table.
I know some folks get upset when I include my own experiences or share anecdotes, but that’s simply part of my conversation style,” he goes on. “This isn’t something I’ve mastered through formal training—I haven’t studied it academically nor have I practiced by writing for amateur publications for half a decade prior. Instead, I jumped right into engaging with some of the biggest names globally from day one.
Fans have observed the change. “One of my favorite compliments came from fans who messaged me saying, ‘It has been 25 years since I’ve come across an interview with Gene Simmons like this one.'”
His method has resulted in instances that even astonish him. In a recent episode with
Diane Warren
The renowned lyricist shared that even after composing more than 1,500 songs, her approach remains completely intuitive.
Corgan elaborates, “I anticipated some sort of equation, yet she simply stated, ‘I sense it. I’m searching for that tune which gives you goosebumps.’ It mirrors Rick Rubin’s approach—Rick readily admits, ‘I have zero knowledge about recording; all I understand is what appeals to me and stirs my emotions.'”
So we have these two individuals who excel in their respective fields without relying on theoretical frameworks for guidance. They follow their intuition, which resonates with the general audience in a manner surpassing my own efforts. This astonishes me—how can someone simply wake up and instinctively determine the perfect song to use?
For Corgan, these discussions aren’t merely about technique—they’re about heritage. Throughout his career, he has continually strived to move beyond the burden of his history, often facing significant personal sacrifices.
“Basically, celebrity culture shapes the spirit of the times so much that if you don’t go along with it, there’s something wrong with you,” he muses. Following this, he went through a time of isolation feeling deprived of stature and belittled in manners that negated his achievements.
“There was a time when I totally shunned nostalgia, and I faced severe consequences for it,” he confesses. These repercussions were indeed quite harsh. Not only did I lose my fame or standing, but I also became an object of ridicule. To put it simply, had we been at a table chatting, they attempted to strip me of credit for the work I genuinely completed. It wasn’t merely about refusing to perform those songs; it went further, with people questioning whether I even penned them myself.”
In time, he came to terms with it. He understood that honoring his history did not equate to being confined by it.
“I discovered a sort of equilibrium where I get to perform the songs that audiences enjoy—and let’s be clear, I composed these songs, so it doesn’t bother me,” he explains. “Simultaneously, this allows for an infusion of fresh tracks into my setlist. Over the past six or seven years since finding this harmony, everything has been infused with incredibly positive vibes both personally, within the group, and during our performances. This makes me confident that choosing this path was indeed correct, as ensuring everyone has fun remains important.”
“For each individual keen on discussing
Siamese Dream
“There are just as many individuals who wish to discuss the album with me despite its poor sales figures because they believe the album itself had merit; however, in the realm of popular music, it either sells or doesn’t sell at all. If an album fails commercially, it’s practically considered non-existent. This represents a Faustian pact,” he explains.
Corgan remains unconvinced that most contemporary pop stars will attain genuine staying power.
He points out, “There are artists who have massive followings today, yet your neighbor might be completely unaware of their existence.” He adds, “Things were different back in the ’80s or ’90s—everyone knew about Madonna. In 1986, during dinner conversations with elders, debates over her actions at the MTV Awards would often arise since these events served as significant cultural reference points.”
He explains, “I’m not sure about today’s pop stars, possibly excluding Taylor Swift. Her career might resemble Madonna’s, with a lengthy lasting impact; people will likely continue supporting her indefinitely. However, for many others, I doubt anyone can predict their futures.”
And, needless to say, we haveBritney. “It’s accurate to label Britney as the quintessential pop diva of the 21stcentury. She completely resetthe standard,” he asserts.
For Corgan, his legacy extends beyond his profession—it’s deeply personal. He aims to ensure his children grasp his significance in the world.
Corgan laughs as he recounts his son’s reaction upon hearing that not everyone appreciates his music. He explained to his child, “It’s fine; not everybody enjoys what Dad does, but many do.” His son responded with, “But I believe you’re the greatest.”
He wants his son to grasp his viewpoint regarding his musical and artistic journey, ensuring that when faced with others’ perceptions of him, the child will have developed his own understanding.
However, driven by pragmatism rather than nostalgia, he’s considering the extended horizon for his professional legacy. He explains, “It’s crucial to me that should something happen to me, everything is arranged so my offspring can not just gain from my efforts but also understand how to manage what they inherit.”
There are at least 100 unreleased songs. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve put out around 350 so far. Given their value—they must be safeguarded akin to artworks.
At this stage of his career, Corgan isn’t seeking validation or attempting to alter history. He has achieved stability—respecting the foundation he’s constructed while pressing forward to discover new horizons. Soon following their discussion, he declared.
An Evening with Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness
, a reinterpretation of the iconic album transformed into an opera, scheduled to premiere at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on November 21.
He muses, ‘People tie me so closely to the Pumpkins. It’s difficult for them to picture me separate from it.’
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