The Smashing Pumpkins Reunite With Producer Butch Vig for First Time Since ‘Siamese Dream’ in 1993

The Smashing Pumpkins released their debut studio album, Gish, on May 28, 1991. Gish was produced by Butch Vig and Billy Corgan, and made a statement in the new developing grunge scene in the US. Vig also produced Nirvana’s Nevermind that same year, which was a massive success upon release. Some would say his work with The Smashing Pumpkins is underrated in comparison. The band, with Vig as producer, created magic on this debut release. The Smashing Pumpkins’ sound had evolved from a softer, cleaner tone to elements of grunge and hard rock with heavy distortion. Notable tracks from the debut include the first three tracks on the album, “I Am One,” “Siva,” and “Rhinoceros.”

The band started thunderously on this one, pushing the limits of hard rock into art rock and even metal at some points. Though the album didn’t chart well, it set the group up for further success in the 1990s.

‘Siamese Dream’ Was the Bands Breakthrough Album in 1993

Butch Vig returned to produce The Smashing Pumpkins second album in 1993, Siamese Dream. The album served as the band’s breakthrough, debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. Billy Corgan, once again, co-produced the record alongside Butch Vig. The album’s lead single, “Cherub Rock,” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and hit No. 1 on the UK Indie chart.

“Today” was the second single release and helped propel the group into stardom. It became one of the group’s signature songs and peaked at No. 4 on the Alternative Airplay chart. “Today” also hit No. 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Their third single, the acoustic track “Disarm,” became a top-20 hit in Australia, Canada, and the UK. It peaked at No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 8 on the Alternative Airplay. The last single, “Rocket,” didn’t chart nearly as high, peaking at No. 28 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Though it didn’t perform as well, “Rocket” is a fan favorite that remains in the band’s setlists to this day.

The Smashing Pumpkins Announce Upcoming New Track With Butch Vig

For their 1995 release, Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness, Corgan chose to produce the album without Vig. Instead, he was joined by Alan Moulder and Flood. On May 19, Billy Corgan announced in a Substack livestream that Butch Vig has recorded a new track with The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan, drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, and guitarist James Iha recorded with Butch Vig behind the soundboard for the first time since 1993’s Siamese Dream.

In the announcement, Corgan stated, “We’ve just recorded one song. It’s for a specific purpose, which I can’t give that part out…I haven’t come up with a title yet, honestly. The plan is that the song will be released this year. I can’t say exactly when. There are reasons for that.” Corgan went on to say, “The song is really cool. It’s basically done recording. I’d say, there are a couple of little things left. I’d say it’s 98% done.”

Along with this new collaboration with Butch Vig, The Smashing Pumpkins have a lot planned for 2026. The band recently announced their 30th-anniversary arena tour for their Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness album. The Rats In A Cage Tour goes on sale on May 21. Ahead of the tour, the band will headline the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, the band’s home city, on July 31.