Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins has been criticized in various “best guitarists” lists for not including him or ranking him low.
The “Cherub Rock” singer explained that “most people don’t even recognize my contributions as a guitarist” in a new interview with Guitar world. The frontman specifically referenced “best guitarists” lists and how he is often overlooked during these rankings.
“I usually don’t even make these lists,” he told the outlet. “Or they’ll put me behind someone I could play in circles with. I don't want to denigrate the people in front of me… but come on, you know?
He continued: “I write the song, the lyrics, the melodies, the arrangements and I play most of the complicated guitar. And I can do a solo too. I think it's hard for people to understand… They don't want to believe that one person can do all these things.
Corgan reflected on the past and how, when people found out how well he actually played on a Smashing Pumpkins track, he found that they didn't react well, saying that if he had admitted to playing on the majority of a song's instrumentals, he would be considered “the mean guy who wouldn't let my band play on the records.”
The musician shared: “I played on stage with George Lynch and Uli Jon Roth, two of the greatest guitarists in history. I sat across from Eddie Van Halen for hours at 51:50 with my jaw hanging open, watching Eddie perform, okay? My father was a great guitarist. I have no problem recognizing some of the greatest guitarists of all time.
He continued: “I would never even put myself in their company, (but) there are a lot of people who pretend to play guitar. I certainly have no problem believing that I'm better than many of them.
The Smashing Pumpkins' last album was 'Aghori Mhori Mei', their 13th studio album. It was released exclusively digitally, with a physical release to follow on November 22.
“Aghori Mhori Mei” follows 2023’s “ATUM”, which ZikNation hailed as an “explosive space-rock opera” in a four-star review: “As an album, 'ATUM' is an ambitious work and asks a lot of its audience. But there’s also something to please any die-hard Pumpkins fan.
In addition, Corgan's is preparing to embark on a solo tour of Australia. Supported by The Delta Riggs, Corgan will tour the continent in winter, starting December 1 in Adelaide. See the full list of dates below and visit here to purchase tickets.
Billy Corgan's 2024 Australia tour dates are:
DECEMBER
01 – Adélaïde – Hindley St Music Hall
03 – Melbourne – Palace Theater
04 – Sydney – Enmore Theater
06 – Melbourne – Festival of Good Things
07 – Sydney – Festival of good things
08 – Brisbane – Festival of Good Things
