The Smashing Pumpkins are turning their long awaited return to Lollapalooza into a full hometown celebration, announcing a week of special events across Chicago under the banner of Pumpkinpalooza.
The festivities lead into The Smashing Pumpkins headline appearance at Lollapalooza on Friday (July 31st), marking their first performance at the iconic festival since 1994, back when Lollapalooza was still travelling across North America rather than being permanently based in Chicago.
Pumpkinpalooza kicks off on Wednesday (July 29th) with a sold out show at the historic Riviera Theatre, giving lucky fans the chance to catch Billy Corgan and company in an intimate setting before they take to the festival’s main stage (per Next Mosh).
Across the three day celebration, fans can also visit a dedicated merchandise pop-up near Grant Park, while Madame Zuzu’s Celestial Lounge, Corgan’s suburban Chicago tea house, will make its way into the festival grounds, offering exclusive merchandise, vinyl and other special experiences.
Billy Corgan on Lollapalooza
Reflecting on what the occasion means, Billy Corgan said:
“As a Chicagoan, born and raised, I take great pride in contributing to our city’s immense and colorful cultural fabric. And so this year’s already historic Lollapalooza is that chance to make new memories, new friends, and have a bit of Midwest fun, too as only we might.”
The hometown celebration also serves as the launchpad for The Rats In A Cage Tour, which begins in September. The North American arena run will feature two distinct live sets, with one dedicated to celebrating the landmark Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness alongside another spanning the band’s nearly four-decade career.
For the first time, Lollapalooza will stream live in Australia via Disney+, allowing local audiences to watch The Smashing Pumpkins’ hometown headline set without leaving the couch.
The four day livestream, running from July 31st to August 3rd (AEST), will also feature performances from Turnstile, Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Clipse and many more. One important catch, however, is that the performances won’t be available on demand once the festival concludes, meaning fans will need to tune in live to catch their favourite artists.
For Australian Smashing Pumpkins fans, it’s the closest thing to being in Grant Park as one of Chicago’s most influential rock bands celebrates a full circle moment more than 30 years in the making.
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