I was going to just give you a normal post this afternoon, but I’m so busy being exciting about this evening’s plans that I can’t concentrate on much else.
And I’m sure you’re now wondering what my plans are for the evening. If you happened to guess taking in a sold-out concert of the Smashing Pumpkins at the historical state theatre of Tennessee as the kickoff to my fun-filled extended weekend, you would be correct and very strange for randomly guessing that.
I’ve shared with you my feelings for 90s music, and the Smashing Pumpkins were a huge part of that for me. I didn’t take to “Today” immediately, even though it was what the cool kids were listening to at the time (alternative rock was an acquired taste). But to a moody preteen, “Disarm” really struck a chord.
And then of course there was their piece de resistance, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The music was life-changing and the videos wor works of art. I’m pretty sure “Thirty-Three” is going to be on the soundtrack to my biopic.
I’ve heard some of the stuff on their newest album. It’s ok — not as good as the old stuff — but good enough that I didn’t mind shelling out the cash to see the show tonight (it really wasn’t too expensive).
And just so this post isn’t allllll about The Modern Gal, I shall ask: what act would you give your right arm to see?
I think I already told you that Smashing Pumpkins is my favorite band of all time. Disarm is one of my favorite songs by them, too. It’s one of the few songs that gives me chills every single time, without failure.
Hope the show’s awesome. I can’t imagine what they’re like without both James and D’Arcy.
I love Smashing Pumpkins, but the one I’d really consider slashing body parts to see is Counting Crows. Adam = yummy!
i was about as excited as you when the smashing pumpkins toured here (australia) in march. they were not good. i still have the love for them, but it was a dismal live show. maybe that was just becuase they have alot of travelling to do to get here, i hope that your show is much better.
ps: i don’t know why they even bother playing anything they released after mellon collie
Bossy will never forget walking down the street a million years ago and spying a sign wedged in the window of a ratty neighborhood bar, and it said, “Tonight: Smashing Pumpkins.”
“Smashing Pumpkins?” Bossy repeated. “What a stupid name… they’ll never make it.”
Wrong again. And again.
I have two answers:
1) Phish. They are my favorite band, and I never saw them live. I hold out hope that they’ll reunite (again) and I’ll be able to see them. It makes me really sad that I missed that, because they were a live band to their core.
2) The Allman Brothers. I have seen them many times, but it’s becoming clear that Gregg Allman’s health is really failing, and they were a defining band for me in a lot of ways. If they tour again, I would give anything to be there for one of the shows.
I saw the Pumpkins back when I was in college, and they were great. However, the audience was terrible, and threw stuff at them, so they got irate. Other than that, I can’t think of any band I’d give my right arm to see. Not as long as I can buy tickets in the normal way…
Kate: Agreed on Disarm which is exactly why I was upset they didn’t play it.
Vanessa: I was front row for the CCs at a music festival and it was AWESOME. I’m pretty sure Adam and I made eye contact.
Tamara: Yeah, I would have prefered them to stick to Mellon Collie and earlier.
Bossy: I have a friend who’s been reviewing country music for a decade and a half. He once said “This Garth Brooks kid will never make it, but Billy Ray Cyrus is the real deal.”
Jay: I can’t believe you of all people never saw Phish. I did Allman Bros. one time at Memphis music fest. The music was great, but I didn’t make it through the whole set because of the second-hand weed high I got.
Noelle: With ticket prices these days, I equate buying a ticket with giving my right arm.