The White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA welcomed The Smashing Pumpkins and The World Is a Vampire Tour produced by Live Nation. Throughout the tour, it will feature special guests Interpol, Stone Temple Pilots, and Rival Sons as support on various dates. The tour will also feature some of the stars from the Corgan-owned National Wrestling Alliance.
Kicking off the festivities on this particular evening was the Rival Sons, a band, known for their dynamic stage presence and impeccable musicianship, which creates an atmosphere that resonates with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The evening begins with an instrumental piece as the set would build to a heavier vibe, setting the stage for the next band Stone Temple Pilots.
Jay Buchanan’s charismatic stage presence shines as he captivates the audience with his soulful, powerful vocals. Scott Holiday’s guitar work is a highlight, effortlessly transitioning from bluesy riffs to electrifying solos. The rhythm section, composed of Dave Beste on bass and Mike Miley on drums, provides the solid foundation that drives the music forward. Rival Sons released their seventh album, Darkfighter, on June 2, 2023.
As the rain started to fall, Stone Temple Pilots took to the stage and would unleash a vibrant and energetic musical journey that immersed the audience with a blend of alternative rock, grunge, and hard rock sounds. The band is known for its iconic hits and charismatic stage presence, the band delivered an unforgettable performance that left fans buzzing with excitement. STP played everything from their classic hits like “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Vasoline” while mixing in a few songs from their newest album Perdida. Alongside lead singer Jeff Gutt, Jeremy DeBardi from Steal Beans was a special guest and sang “Dead & Bloated” with the band.
The excitement in the air is palpable outside the White River Amphitheater. Fans of all ages and backgrounds gather, adorned in band merchandise and ’90s-inspired attire, eagerly awaiting the sonic journey they are about to embark on. The venue buzzes with anticipation, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation filling the atmosphere. A roar erupts from the crowd as the members of The Smashing Pumpkins take their positions on stage. Billy Corgan, the band’s enigmatic frontman, steps to the microphone, guitar in hand, and the crowd’s excitement reaches a fever pitch.
The concert is a sonic journey through The Smashing Pumpkins’ vast discography, featuring both classic hits and deep cuts. The band’s musicianship and stage presence are captivating, as they effortlessly transition from soaring guitar solos to introspective ballads. Billy Corgan’s hauntingly powerful vocals cut through the air, eliciting cheers and chills from the audience. The band’s chemistry is evident as they move seamlessly through songs, occasionally engaging in playful banter with the crowd. Fans sing along passionately, their voices intertwining with Corgan’s as he stretches his vocals to hit the high notes that defined the band’s sound.
Billy Corgan pulls the eager crowd in as he tugs at their heartstrings; “I grew up in a world where I needed to know bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure existed, it meant there was a place for people like me to hang out and belong. That’s what The World Is a Vampire is about. Bringing back that sense of community. If you don’t fit in, you belong here. It’s about having a shared experience and respecting others, but ultimately having fun. A true alternative festival, where all the self-proclaimed weirdos and outsiders of the world can get together and have a party.”
Smashing Pumpkins has released their 12th album titled “ATUM A Rock Opera In Three Acts” There are 3 separate installments of 11 songs each. The first installment was Atum: Act One was released on November 15, 2022, Atum: Act Two on January 31, 2023, and Atum: Act Three on May 5, 2023. Each being released 11 weeks after the prior installment. In early May 2023, a box set consisting of all 33 songs and a group of 10 additional exclusive songs was released. They also have a new single out now “Spellbinding.”
Smashing Pumpkins Set List:
- Atum
- The Everlasting Gaze
- Doomsday Clock
- Once in a Lifetime
- Today
- Perfect
- Disarm
- The Celestials
- Purple Blood
- Ava Adore
- Tonight, Tonight
- Bullet With Butterfly Wings
- This Time
- Spellbinding
- Hubble Bubble (Toil and Trouble)
- Jellybelly
- Empires
- Hummer
- Beguiled
- 1979 Followed by band introductions; teases of “Would?,” “We Die Young,” and “Come As You Are.”
- Cherub Rock
- Zero