Best known for fronting the alternative band, The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan is one of the best-known musicians from Chicago. Born on March 17, 1967 in Elk Grove, Il. William Patrick Corgan formed his first band, The Marked, that didn't go very far except to Florida and back. After returning to Chicago, he met James Iha, D'arcy Wretzky and Jimmy Chamberlin in 1988 and thus began The Smashing Pumpkins. Their first gig as a full band was opening up for Jane's Addiction at the Metro on October 5, 1988.
With a catalog of hit albums including Gish, Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, and ending with the limited edition album Machina II, and even lending a helping hand with Hole's Celebrity Skin album. On May 25, 2000, Billy Corgan announced on KROQ radio station in Los Angeles that the Smashing Pumpkins were breaking up at the end of the year. A year later, not letting the success of the Pumpkins deter him, Billy formed another group in hopes of making a fresh start. Zwan consisted of Matt Sweeney, David Pajo (Slint, Tortoise), Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins) and Paz Lenchantin (A Perfect Circle). In January 2003, Zwan released the first and only album Mary Star of the Sea. In September 2003, Billy yet again announced the break up of another one of his bands, Zwan.
Now on his own, again, Billy Corgan is going solo. He made his first solo performance to a sold-out crowd at the Metro on April 19. Corgan unveiled twelve low-key songs which were all Chicago themed in a living room type setting. No word on whether there is a solo album in the works.
Music is not the only thing on Billy Corgan's mind. He's even written a book called Blinking with Fists that is due out on September 1, 2004. The book is filled with poems penned by the Chicago musician about his personal life and other issues that are close to him. You can order Blinking with Fists through Amazon.
Other works by Billy Corgan: Stigmata Soundtrack, Ransom Soundtrack, Lost Highway Soundtrack, and Batman and Robin Soundtrack.
Thank you to Billy-Corgan.com for information
For more information, visit their website: http://billycorgan.com
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