Sept 4, 1996
NEW YORK - Smashing Pumpkins ruled the evening, beating Alanis Morissette (Ironic), among others, and winning best video and breakthrough video for Tonight, Tonight. They also took best alternative video for 1979. Morissette won best new artist.
Smashing Pumpkins made their first TV appearance since the heroin-overdose death of backup keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin in July - an event followed by the firing of drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, reportedly also involved with drugs.
"We've had an interesting year. We lost a friend. We lost a drummer. But I hope we haven't lost any fans," singer-guitarist Billy Corgan said. "To anyone who wonders, we're fine."
By The Associated Press
