The Smashing Pumpkins’ North Carolina fans enjoyed two visits by the band to the tarheel state this past weekend.
On Friday, an enthusiastic Pumpkin crowd packed Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, and Sunday, they rocked Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Smashing Pumpkins, after frontman Billy Corgan resurrected the group following their extended hiatus from 2000 to 2005. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin returned. The rest of the band was filled out by new talent: Jeff Schroeder, guitar, Ginger Reyes, bass and Lisa Harriton, piano.
Photographer Adam Hajnos was in Raleigh Sunday to witness the scene through his camera lens. He gave the Post the following report.
Smashing Pumpkins
Aug. 17, 2008
Raleigh Memorial AuditoriumI wish I could have had more time to shoot. I was allowed up at the stage for only three songs, but I managed to get some good shots in.
The entire show was brought to life by a spectacular light show, one unlike any other I have ever seen. The shapes and multicolored environments really complemented the tone of the songs, which can be bleak and very grunge, dirty, garage-band sounding.
The props and extra instruments in the show reminded me of an Andy Kauffman performance, with such items as timpani, kazoos, accordions and even little stuffed birds that tweet when you squeeze them. All of which was complemented by Billy Corgan’s astronaut kilt.
The Pumpkins played hits such as “Today” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” and even brought in a few acoustic songs for the audience.
The last number of the regular set was the Pumpkin’s version of Pink Floyd’s “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun.” Some in the audience felt this went on too long, but I disagree. I think it’s cool to see a band do something different rather than try to stuff more songs into a show. The longer songs let you slip away, just close your eyes and let the music take over ó and let the band members do what they want for a while.
Two encores brought the night to a close, including a kazoo rendition of “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. I thought this was a perfect closer for the show, especially done with kazoos. It felt the show was nicely wrapped up. And because it was something you didn’t expect to hear from the Pumpkins, that made it all the more fun.I had a blast. I highly recommend The Smashing Pumpkins as a show to see.
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View more photos on page 10 and at www.adamhajnos.com/ Pumpkins/Memorial
Setlist for The Smashing Pumpkins in Raleigh:Tarantula
G.L.O.W.
Siva
Eye
Mayonnaise
Tonight, Tonight
Speed Kills
Transformer
Superchrist
United States
Once Upon a Time (acoustic)
Again Again Again (acoustic)
The Rose March (acoustic)
Today
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
The Beginning is the End is the Beginning
Heavy Metal Machine
Glass’ Theme
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Encore:
We Only Come Out At Night
In the Summertime