Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has posted the following on Instagram:
“MSG notes: Before I comment on the Madison Square Garden show, let me say that we take every show on this tour seriously and this post is not in any way a denigration of any other night. But one must admit that our return to the summit of all arenas, and after 22 years, no less, is worthy of special comment. The show itself was spectacular, having sold out in full; so that obstructed view tickets were placed on sale at the last moment. The building packed to the absolute rafters, and electric from the first note.
The band was on point all night, and thankfully, after bungling the lyrics for ‘Stairway To Heaven’ the previous 2 nights (I refuse to use cheat sheets on this tour, so every lyric of my 29 songs to sing is from memory) I was able to hit every line. Which when mixed with the historic Led Zeppelin shows documented in ‘The Song Remains the Same’, and the glorious history of MSG: from rock icons to the @nwa, this heady mix of emotions caused a burst of adrenaline that almost caused me to pass out. With @jjjschroeder absolutely nailing the solo.
It was as big a night as the @smashingpumpkins have ever had in our 30 year history. And none of it would have been possible without the faithful who’ve defended us through thick and thin, stood by us in the lean times, and spread the gospel on recent strong albums and tours like ‘Oceania’ and ‘Ogilala.’ The fans who come to solo shows, who buy the VIP packages, who told the sharks and snarks that their narrative on the so-called death of SP was, like all good narcissistic fan fiction, premature. Because I know and you know the music of SP is what binds us, which has created this family of the band and the greater family of you.
So for those that strongly resonate or identify with what I’m saying, that night was just as much for you as it was for the band onstage The history, the time, the place, the passion, all right in the heart of the Big Apple. Or as Mick once said, ‘Go on! Bite the big apple…’ Here’s to many more….”
