Super Smashing Bros.

Smashing Pumpkins made their return to Salt Lake Tuesday night in all their glory. Its almost Halloween, so who wouldn’t want more pumpkins in their life right now? With electrifying sounds that stunned the crowd, this concert was nothing short of phenomenal. It isn’t a surprise that when the Smashing Pumpkins announced an original line up tour, tickets would sell out and, sell fast. It’s been almost 20 years since the Pumpkins reunited with a tour. Through break ups and rough patches, dedicated fans lined the arena with a sense of excitement like children on Christmas morning.

Crowd in an Uproar

As I watched the people take their seats, I noticed an enormous age range, from teens to long-time parents. The large scope of devotees created a rare occurrence that not many bands are able to achieve. Different decades of people filled the arena from die hard fans donning original black “ZERO” tee shirts to today’s rock and roll youth. Either way the audience thrived at the spectacle.

The concert opened with a short video promoting important icons throughout the bands career, album art from Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness plastered the screen. 

When a bright light peered through a curtain of smoke to reveal one bald head and a shiny guitar, screams erupted that shattered the calm and destroyed the silence. This was it! Beginning the show was “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness”  (the song). Behind lead singer Billy Corgan, was a film reel of photos that defined his past and illuminated his childhood.

 Dances of the Audience

Older fans waved drinks of beer and cocktails as their hips swayed to the sounds of mellow beats. It was songs like “1979” and “Landslide” that inspired people to wave phone lights like lighters- reliving the good old days in 21st century fashion. While songs like “Cherub Rock” and “Mayonnaise”  thrilled the audience. In addition, the stage provided energetic strobe lights of red and green with immaculate guitar solos that lasted for days! The stage choreography was like something out of a dream, wrapped up succinctly in the overall performance. This was a band at the top of their game. 

All the songs were praised by the audience in a storm of hand claps and foot stomps. Echos of lyrics paraded through the arena. Concert goers filled open spaces with dancing of 90’s angst and countless head bangs while rock horns saturated the crowd. The concert adrenaline voiced a roaring cacophony that transcended the stadium walls.

Return of the Pumpkins

The three hour concert consisted of twenty eight original songs with classic Pumpkin covers in between. With the founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin united once again, the Smashing Pumpkin’s sound was on par with the original recordings. The band’s return to Salt Lake City gave a concert that united generations of grunge and a true alternative rock vibe to modern day fanatics. Indulging in a 90’s daydream, this performance will give Pumpkin lovers a night to remember.