When Smashing Pumpkins singer and guitarist Billy Corgan appeared on the Channel 93.3 radio station in Denver, Colorado last Friday (July 31st), he talked about his “beef” with Soundgarden, specifically their lead singer and guitarist Chris Cornell. Here’s what he had to say:
“Well, there’s a little bit of a backstory there. Chris Cornell was somebody I considered a friend, and would never have said a harsh word about. When Smashing Pumpkins came back in 2007, Cornell was quoted in an interview saying, basically, he didn’t consider our reunion, in quotations, to be ‘legitimate.’ So that’s something that’s… I kind of have an elephant’s memory when it comes to somebody punching me in the face. Cornell’s one of those people who is extremely talented. I was a fan from literally, I think, their second EP. I met them in 1991 and I still believe in what was great about the band. But when we’re sitting there having conversations about who is doing what, I am no longer gonna shield somebody. If they wanna punch me in the face, I’m happy to punch them back in the face. So, I respect the man’s talent. People gloss over the Timbaland album. [laughs] You know what I mean?! My point is, look, I don’t have any specific bone to pick, although I just, obviously, made a case for one. My point is don’t lump us in with people who are sort of just doing the reunion lap. Now, of course, fans are lighting up my Twitter saying, ‘Do you realize Soundgarden is doing a new album?’ OK, well, if they are, great. That’s what they should be doing. They are great musicians, and they should make new music, and hopefully they’ll make great albums, because we need artists to make great albums and great music in this day and age of the robots and the posers and, you know, the ‘faux hawk’ bands.”
You can listen to the rest of the interview here.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden, who both released defining records in the ’90s, broke up in 2000 and 1997 respectively, but have both been back together in recent years. Last June, the Pumpkins released their latest album Oceania, while Soundgarden will release their new album King Animal in November.
Add to My Radar 
For the second installment in the Metal Riot “Deep Cuts” series (the first was 
Rockabilly hero Danny B. Harvey paired with ex-Cycle Slut From Hell/She Wolves/Star & Dagger legit metal lifer Dava She Wolf? Sign us up!
If you crave a sleazy, whiskey soaked grit to your rock n' roll (with more than a hint of bar brawl or floor crawl inducing Link Wray and Motörhead inspired antics), proceed directly to your pre-scheduled bangover courtesy of the new Fine Spirits EP.
Harvey has worked with rock and metal people before ranging from Lemmy to David Vincent, but this new EP of slinky, kinky and far from watered down boozy crawlers is infectious and downright reckless. Each song on the EP will crawl into your ear and possess you to slink and shake while being as heavy as C.O.C. but as wild as the West. The replay factor on this is huge. Let's hope Harvey & Wolf keep this going awhile, cuz it sounds fun for them but is really fun for us!
Check out our favorite track "The Prowl"! It packs a slow motion groovy wallop.
