The Smashing Pumpkins / Weezer - 12th June 2024

The Smashing Pumpkins legacy remains as vital and compelling as ever.

As the crowd filed into Glasgows OVO Hydro, anticipation hung in the air for the evenings power-packed double bill featuring Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins. Kicking off the night, Weezer, the Los Angeles power pop/rock group thats been making waves since 1992, took to the stage with their trademark blend of crunchy guitar sounds and infectious hooks.


The gig was held at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

Frontman Rivers Cuomo, known for his subdued stage presence in recent years, started the set with two massive fan favourites, "My Name Is Jonas" and "Beverly Hills". Midway through the set and the band allowed themselves to relax a bit more, with Cuomo even blessing us with his best twerking"


Weezer at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

Weezers setlist was a well-curated mix of classics and newer tracks, with deep cuts like "Burndt Jamb" and "In the Garage" sitting comfortably alongside hits like "Island in the Sun", "Hash Pipe" and "Buddy Holly". They even threw in a surprise cover of Holes "Celebrity Skin," a nod to Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan, who penned the song. The bands cardigans, sensible shoes and laid-back demeanour might have earned them the "dad rock" label these days, but their tight musicianship and punchy songs proved they still have plenty of fire left in them.

After a brief respite the lights dimmed, and Smashing Pumpkins made their entrance to the strains of "Atum," a track from their recent three-act rock opera. The choice of opener raised some eyebrows, prompting speculation about which version of Billy Corgan would grace the stage tonight. Known for his polarizing persona and mammoth ego, Corgan has often been accused of abandoning the classic Pumpkins sound in favor of indulgent passion projects.


Smashing Pumpkins at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

But as the band launched into a setlist packed with crowd-pleasers like "Tonight, Tonight," "Mayonnaise", "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," "1979," "Jellybelly," "Cherub Rock," and "Zero," it became clear that Corgan still knows how to give his fans what they want. His unmistakable voice, known for its haunting emotional depth and impressive range, shone brightly throughout the Pumpkins set. The frontman seamlessly navigated the spectrum of his vocal prowess, from the delicate introspection of "Disarm" to the raw, unbridled power of "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."

His ability to channel both vulnerability and aggression has always been a cornerstone of the bands iconic sound, and this night proved that Corgans instrument remains as potent as ever. Whether he was crooning softly or screaming with abandon, his distinctive voice served as the emotional anchor for the Pumpkins electrifying performance, reminding fans why he remains one of alternative rocks most compelling and enduring figures.



Smashing Pumpkins at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

This iteration of the Pumpkins featured three original members - Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlain - joined by newcomer Kiki Wong on guitar, who was recruited via an open audition on social media. As the band launched into the opening chords of "Mayonnaise" a standout track from their seminal 1993 album "Siamese Dream," Corgan took a moment to reflect on the records creation. "We wrote this album back in 1992," he mused, "and it became an anthem for sad fucks around the world.

And indeed, the bands performance of "Siamese Dream" material throughout the night served as a powerful reminder of the albums magic. Songs like "Cherub Rock", "Today", and "Disarm" were imbued with a fresh sense of vitality, their lush, layered arrangements and emotive vocals casting a spell over the audience. Corgan and his bandmates seemed to tap into the same well of raw, unadulterated emotion that fuelled the albums creation nearly three decades ago, channelling the angst, vulnerability, and catharsis that made "Siamese Dream" a touchstone for a generation.



Smashing Pumpkins at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Smashing Pumpkins had delivered a performance that not only celebrated their past triumphs but also reaffirmed their enduring relevance.


Smashing Pumpkins at the OVO Hydro, photo by Stewart Fullerton.

Through a setlist that balanced fan favourites with deeper cuts and a stage presence that was both nostalgic and invigorated, Corgan and company proved that they still possess the power to captivate and inspire. While the bands journey has been marked by its share of tumult and reinvention, their Glasgow show served as a poignant reminder of the indelible mark theyve left on the alternative rock landscape. As fans filed out of the venue, buzzing with the energy of the nights performance, one thing was certain: the Smashing Pumpkins legacy remains as vital and compelling as ever.

Review by Fraser Doig.

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