Madison Square Garden, New York show review - Sept 18th 1996
Kerrang
(Thanks to Ryan for typing this review out)
For a band that’s recently endured tremendous traumas, the Smashing Pumpkins seem as unified and focused as any group in their position could be. The death of keyboardist Jonathan Melvion and the dismissal of Jimmy Chamberlin threw the Chicago stars into turbulence that could of easily swallowed them.
Thankfully, they pulled through. Tonight’s show, the first of two at Madison Square Garden rescheduled from July, underlines the facts that the problems are over, if not forgotten. With a new line up in place, the Pumpkins are ready to deliver an unholy roar of a set that leaves you scratching your head over the constant reports that they are one of the arena rock’s wobblier spectacles.
Maybe that used to be the case. But tonight, from the moody opening of ‘Porcelina of the Vast Oceans’ onward, the Pumpkins are a tight energetic unit, bolstered by the powerhouse drumming of Matt Walker (on loan from Filter). Keyboardist Dennis Flemion, more commonly a member of the Frogs, has more of a symbolic role, being a temporary replacement for the late Melvion, but his subtle playing rounds out what is already a full sound.
The stage show- a towering, pyramid shaped lighting rig- certainly adds a grandeur, but the raw power of songs like ‘Zero’, ‘Tonight Tonight’ and a vicious ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings’ is what really projects the Pumpkins. Up front Corgan says little, pausing only to thank his audience, but his singing brims with rage and passion, as if he wants to prove his by sheer vocal power that his band will not be crushed by the problems faced early this summer. Corgan stalks the stage, leaping at his mike stand like a crazed dog, whilst bassist D’Arcy and guitarist James Iha provide less flashy, though steady, support on either side.
The only serious mishap occurs at the show’s finale. After several excellent encores- which unfortunately includes Evan Dando of the Lemon heads dancing like an idiot- the band end the night with a half hour jam on Fuck You (An Ode To Now One) which literally empties the room and ends the concert on a down beat note. It’s the only stain on a show that otherwise marks the return of the Smashing Pumpkins to full power.
Most Rocking Moment: The one-two punch of ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings’ and ‘Cherub Rock’.
Least Rocking Moment: Lemon head Evan Dando’s spasmodic onstage dancing.
Best Onstage Quote: Thanks you for waiting very patiently for us to come back...” Billy Corgan.
Verdict: Back from the edge.