Smashing Pumpkins live in 97 :: dark with the occasional beam of iridescence
Tonight after several days of torrential rain, there was a shift at sunset. The clouds were still black and heavy, but all around the edges and breaking through the middle were rosy cantaloupe-colored streaks of light, as the sun set behind Pikes Peak.
As the sky showed off like that a few hours ago, I was listening to this 1997 bootleg from my Smashing Pumpkins at my beloved acoustic Bridge School Benefit in California. Somehow this set fit perfectly – a bit shimmery, dark with the occasional beam of iridescence. I was at this show during the autumn of my freshman year of college. It probably rained that night too. It often does at Bridge School, and we all shiver in the rain to enjoy the oft-sensational lineup of music.
This is an excellent set.
SMASHING PUMPKINS
BRIDGE SCHOOL BENEFIT 10/19/1997
Introduction
Behold! the Night Mare
Eye
Set the Ray to Jerry
Ava Adore
To Sheila
1979
X.Y.U.
Heart of Gold/Cinnamon Girl (tease)
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
Porcelina of the Vast Oceans (with John Popper on harmonica)
Name: Heather Browne
“1979″ was always a choice tune for me. I was merely like…7 years old when that song came out but I can distinctly remember being profoundly touched by it when i saw it on MTV…back when they played music videos, ya know.
hmd1987 — August 17, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
Hi!
At some point, do you think you could re-up the Springsteen covers yet again? I know they’re really old, but I just stumbled across that page and I’d love to hear them. Thanks!
Erin — August 18, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
Holy shit! This is great. Seeing them at a free show this Friday in Orlando. I second that request for Springsteen covers…great blog!
Jack Deyoung — August 18, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
I can't believe that show was over 10 years ago now. My buddy and I went to the Saturday show. That was one of the more impressive lineups, probably ranks behind 2001 & 2006.
During The Pumpkins performance Marilyn Manson & Twiggy cam out and played on 'Eye' & 'The Beautiful People' and people were grabbing their kids and heading for the door (at least up on the lawn they were).
I know they get a lot of crap now, but I'm glad Billy resurrected The Pumpkins, they've always been one of my favorite bands. Even thought there's or D’Arcy (or Melissa) & James, I don't care. The performances have sounded tight and as fun as Zwan was, they never compared to The Smashing Pumpkins.
Thanks for the post, you've inspired me to find some Pumpkins to share in the near future.
Honest Abe — August 18, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
Nice! This is great stuff! Timely, as well. I caught the “Watchmen” trailer recently and have been on an SP kick ever since.
vantika — August 18, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
Very nice. There was always something bastard-stepchildish about SP and its place in the “scene” “back in the day.” Something about the art-rock sound, or Corgan’s assholeness, or something. I have a friend who swears that Adore (the record they made w/out a drummer) is one of the most underrated of its era. “Ava Adore” sounds great acoustic. And I always loved “Eye,” which is beautiful here. Thanks a lot.
Ben — August 19, 2008 @ 4:28 pm