Live Review and Photos by: JACOB GAITAN
The latest incarnation of Smashing Pumpkins began ‘ The Other Side of the Kaleidyscope’ tour in Los Angeles debuting new material off their forthcoming album ‘Oceania.’ Fans crowded inside the sold out Wiltern in hopes of witnessing the dozens of hit tracks made popular in the 90s, but instead received a rare appearance of b-side tracks spilling across the set list. Oceania’s first two songs ‘Quasar’ and ‘Panopticon’ began the evening, making their fist appearances for the west coast audience. After crossing off some new material, Billy Corgan and company traveled into a nostalgic time portal, performing early material off ‘Gish’ and ‘Siamese Twin’. The B-side ‘Starla’ began the series of countless cheers that increased with the highly energetic Geek USA, and the sing along ‘Muzzle’.
The 21-track set list was aimed towards a more intimate direction, which left dedicated fans completely satisfied. Unlike a normal ‘Greatest Hits’ event, Corgan blew fans away with ‘Silverfuck’ and the head-smashing track ‘Thru The Eyes Of Ruby.’ Although the original lineup could never be replaced, the new crew consisting of Jeff Schroeder, Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino delivered the intensity and hard hitting force that Smashing Pumpkins live shows are known for. Unlike other mediocre reunions and “comeback tours” from forgotten bands, Smashing Pumpkins have survived becoming a glorified cover version of themselves. Billy Corgan continues to create and invent new material, without relying on the radio charting hits that solidified his career.
On stage, extended renditions of each track led to back and forth jam sessions between members. Towards the end, Billy began shredding his guitar while testing the strength of each string. Guitar solos were traded between Schroeder, pushing the dynamic tension into uncharted territory. The night featured a two-song encore, ending with ‘Bullet With Butterfly Wings’ and a sing along participation from the audience. The Twelve City tour ends this week in Philly, with a much larger full leg tour expected sometime next year.
Photos by: JACOB GAITAN
Setlist:
Quasar (live premiere)
Panopticon (live premiere)
Starla
Geek U.S.A.
Muzzle
Window Paine
Lightning Strikes (live premiere)
Soma
Siva
Oceania (live premeire)
Frail and Bedazzled
Silverfuck
Obscured
Suffer
Thru the Eyes of Ruby (“I Am One” breakdown/solo/outro)
Cherub Rock
Owata
My Love is Winter
For Martha
Encore:
Pissant
Bullet With Butterfly Wings
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