On Friday night, June 13, 2025, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan reunited onstage with former bandmate Melissa Auf der Maur in a surprise encore during his concert at Théâtre Beanfield in Montreal. It was the first time the two had performed together publicly since the original Smashing Pumpkins’ farewell show in December 2000.
The show was part of Corgan’s A Return to Zero tour with his solo-backed band, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God. The Montreal stop quickly sold out and featured a deep, career-spanning setlist that included classics like “Tonight, Tonight,” “Porcelina of the Vast Oceans,” and “Heavy Metal Machine.”
As the final encore began, Auf der Maur emerged to a thunderous hometown welcome. Born and raised in Montreal, Auf der Maur joined Corgan for a performance of “The Everlasting Gaze,” reclaiming her place on bass for one of the standout tracks from the Machina/The Machines of God album, which she toured behind in 2000.
The moment was especially poignant given Auf der Maur’s local roots and the long history she shares with Corgan. Their last public performance together occurred nearly a quarter-century ago, marking this reunion as both a musical and emotional highlight of the night.
Fans erupted on social media within minutes, sharing video clips and celebrating the moment as a powerful return to a pivotal era of the band’s history. While neither artist has confirmed plans for future collaborations, the reunion fueled speculation about Auf der Maur’s possible involvement in upcoming shows tied to the long-anticipated Machina reissue project.
For one night in Montreal, the past and present collided in dramatic fashion—reminding fans that the Smashing Pumpkins’ legacy continues to evolve in unexpected and heartfelt ways.
Merci to Melissa Auf der Maur for joining The Machines of God in Montréal tonight! pic.twitter.com/dsLeyhV2ih
— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) June 14, 2025
