Pitchfork

Photo by Shervin Lainez

Wherefore art thou, Billy Corgan? It's been some six weeks since you and your Smashing Pumpkins last graced our news pages, but here you are again, with plentiful items of interest for your devotees.

First there is the matter of Freebass, the Peter Hook/Andy Rourke/Mani all-bass supergroup. Freebass, as you know, have been recording with a number of different vocalists, including ex-Stone Rose Ian Brown and the Charlatans' Tim Burgess. A BBC 6 Music report yesterday quotes Hook as saying, "We persuaded Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins [to work with us]." Mr. Corgan will, presumably, assist in the vocal capacity, as will Haven frontman Gary Briggs, UK singer Rowetta, and celebrity dope-dealer Howard Marks ("doing a rap," according to Hook). Oh boy!

Then there is the matter of new Smashing Pumpkins tune "Superchrist", which will appear exclusively on a Guitar Center compilation due from the retailer March 1. According to a Billboard.com report, said compilation will be rounded out by a bunch of bands comprised of Guitar Center employees. Oh boy!

And finally, of course, there is the matter of the Smashing Pumpkins' touring travels, which have expanded since our last report to include three stops in New Zealand and one in Adelaide, Australia. Oh etc.

Pumpkins that are Smashing:

02-19 Brussels, Belgium - Forest National
02-21 Munich, Germany - Olympiahalle
02-22 Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
02-23 Berlin, Germany - Arena
02-24 Oberhausen, Germany - Köenig-Pilsener Arena
02-26 Hamburg, Germany - Colorline Arena
02-27 Copenhagen, Denmark - Valbyhallen
02-29 Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
03-01 Stockholm, Sweden - Hovet
03-03 Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall
03-19 Wellington, New Zealand - TSB Arena
03-21 Auckland, New Zealand - Vector Arena
03-23 Christchurch, New Zealand - Westpac Arena
03-29 Sydney, Australia - Centennial Park (V Festival)
03-30 Gold Coast, Australia - Avica Resort (V Festival)
04-01 Adelaide, Australia - Entertainment Centre
04-05 Melbourne, Australia - Showgrounds
04-06 Perth, Australia - Esplanade