The Smashing Pumpkins swore they'd be unveiling new songs from their triple disc concept album, ATUM, and they are living up to their word.
Saturday, March 4, headlining their The World is a Vampire Festival, the Chicago rockers live debuted "The Good in Goodbye" from Act I of ATUM and "Space Age" and "Moss" from Act II.
Billed as "a rock opera in three acts," the first two acts have officially been released. Fans are eagerly awaiting April 21, 2023, when the final act will become available.
This stop of the World is a Vampire Festival took place at the multi-use outdoor stadium, Foro Sol, in Mexico City. Over 60,000 people came out to see headliners the Pumpkins, Interpol, Turnstile, and Joy Division/New Order bassist Peter Hook's new project Peter Hook and the Light. Those who arrived early were treated to Mexican wrestling. Take note, Coachella!
Hook's son, Jack, plays bass with the Pumpkins on this tour and has been part of the lineup in previous years. So naturally when it came to close out the show, Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan brought out Peter to lead the ensemble into a classic Joy Division tune, "No Love Lost" which was only performed by Joy Division five times due to the untimely death of the group's singer.
On a lighter note, Corgan, a giant fan of professional wrestling, asked some Lucha Libre performers to come on stage during the band's performance of another new song, "Beguiled."
Later Corgan asked guitarist James Iha what his wrestling name would be if he ever entered the squared circle. Iha decided he'd like to be called Wombat. But after Corgan suggested Gringo, the large crowd chanted Gringo! Gringo! So if you ever run into the mild mannered guitarist, now you know what name will get his attention.
The Pumpkins are bringing The World is a Vampire Festival to Australia in April. Also on that bill will be Jane's Addiction who they began their ATUM tour with. Plus Amyl & the Sniffers, and Redhook, and yes more wrestlers. Get your tickets here.
