Oh man what a show!!!
It had been over a year since I had seen the Smashing Pumpkins play. It had been over 8 years since I had seen them play in Los Angeles. I was incredibly excited to see the show and I even ponied up $325 for a special VIP pre-show experience. It was completely worth it.
The VIP package stated I needed to be at the venue at 4:45. I of course arrived at 4:00 because I was giddy and anxious. To no surprise, there were already people in line. Not all of them were part of the VIP package though. Interestingly, the 3 guys who lined up behind me, Jeff, Lee, and Rocky, were all participating in the VIP experience, and we were all similarly aged and at the same point in our lives. And we were all retarded for the Pumpkins. It was great meeting them.
Eventually we were escorted into the Gibson Amphitheater about three hours before the show so we could watch some of the sound check. All the Pumpkins were on stage in street clothes and they practiced Once Upon a Time. They also improvised a version of Close to You with kazoos. Very strange but very fun. After that was the meet and greet for the 30 or so VIPs. We got to sit down between Billy and Jimmy for a quick photo and to get something autographed. Then the fans were escorted to the seats for a small Q&A with the two.
Billy did all the talking and expressed disappointment at fickle fans and music critics. He was really pissed off and very open about the state of music and the band. It was cool to see him being so honest but at the same time it was disappointing to see him so upset and feeling like a failure. Weak album sales and abuse from critics will do that I guess. Of course no one at the Gibson cared. We all love the Pumpkins no matter what. After the Q&A, we were treated to some free snacks and beer. I chatted with some of the other fans and I became increasingly aware of something. Pumpkin fans are all grown up. We're no longer angsty, awkward, teenagers. We're adults in the real world with jobs and money.
Eventually the group was lead back into the venue to take our spots in the pit many minutes before the general public was allowed in. I had a spot in front of Jeff and Lisa. The show started promptly at 8:15 and the theater filled up as the house lights went out.
Here's the setlist
1. Roctopus - Jimmy came out alone and wailed on the drums like an 8 armed octopus. Good stuff.
2. Everybody Clap Your Hands - Billy came out in an odd dress and headwear. This was a light little song that made everyone laugh.
3. Tarantula - This got everyone rockin. The solo's were top notch and the amphitheater exploded in cheers and applause.
4. G.L.O.W. - was fine
5. Siva - All the Gish babies went nuts. I realized I was surrounded by true fans as everyone sang along.
6. Eye - I had never seen this live before, it was a treat.
7. Mayonaise - Great song and played incredibly well. At one point Billy coughed during the song and messed up, and everyone went nuts as we helped him out and sang.
8. Tonight, Tonight - heard it many times.
9. Speed Kills - I hadn't heard this live since 1999. Great song.
10. Stand Inside Your Love - Supposedly played for the first time on this tour.
11. Superchrist - My favorite song of the night. It was incredible and melted everyone's face.
12. United States - kicked ass. Billy was really feeling the crowd's energy and let out some great screams.
13. Once Upon a Time - Billy brought it down and played some acoustic stuff.
14. The Crux - Again, Again, Again!
15. The Rose March - Really sweet song
16. Today - The show became electric again, as the audience sang the opening chorus.
17. Bullet with Butterfly Wings - Jungle beat version
18. The Beginning is the End is the Beginning - Was cool to hear live
19. Heavy Metal Machine - My second favorite song of the night. It was insane and included some great Billy rants.
20. Glass - 2 minutes of power
21. Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun - WTF was that (in a good way)? This was a song I hadn't heard and it was avant-garde ear candy. Instruments included stuffed birdies that make bird sounds and Billy beating on huge drums.
Encore
22. We Only Come Out at Night - played with kazoos, and a sweet end to a rockin show
23. Close to You - Also played with kazoos as Billy ranted about love and failure.
