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SMASHING PUMPKINS' CORGAN To Fans: 'We Don't Know What The F**k You Want From Us'
- Nov. 20, 2008
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Greg Kot of ChicagoTribune.com reports: "After retiring the SMASHING PUMPKINS eight years ago, Billy Corgan brought the brand — if not the original lineup — back to his hometown Tuesday [November 18] for the first of four concerts. "For part of the two-and-a-half-hour show, he kept up his end of the deal with original PUMPKINS drummer Jimmy Chamberlin at his back and an assortment of replacement PUMPKINS and backing musicians — a nine-piece band in all — playing with a road-tested roar that was spirited, lacerating, goofy and indulgent, sometimes all at once. "And then it all ended in deflating weirdness, with Corgan ranting on the microphone while the crowd filtered out wondering what happened. After a rousing first half, the momentum ebbed and flowed, and then finally nose-dived. "'Why are you upset with us?' Corgan said. 'It's 'cause we don't do what you want us to do. … We don't know what the [expletive] you want from us.'" Read the entire review at ChicagoTribune.com. Fan-filmed video footage of Corgan's onstage rant from November 18, 2008 can be viewed below (courtesy of "carapatricia").
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COMMENT |
posted by : juanneman
11/20/2008 6:05:37 AM
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This man is a joke, and I´m no fan of this band.
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COMMENT |
posted by : thethingthatshouldnotbe
11/20/2008 6:11:53 AM
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Personally, when i went to see them, i wanted a professional show from a well established band, and I just wanted them to fucking rock. What I got was a performance that was insulting to the fans and the bands legacy - the band acted like theyd rather be anywhere in the world, we got shit from Billy about not buying their last EP, and they stormed off without an encore 'cus Billy just wasnt enjoying himself. And i'd consider myself a pretty big fan with most of their albums, but the setlist was pure shit. Worst performance i've ever seen. that was in Nottingham, Uk, last year.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 6:15:20 AM
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What we want from you - the original line up and an album that isn't about fucking politics.
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COMMENT | Wow
posted by :
11/20/2008 6:15:48 AM
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What a gracious display of showmanship.
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COMMENT | What fans want.....
posted by :
11/20/2008 6:29:01 AM
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nowadays, right or wrong, is a greatest hits filled set list. The days of enjoying 20 minute jams are over.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 6:30:20 AM
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Dear Billy, most of your fans are/were morons. Unfortunately it seems you've just now realized that. Just do whatever you have fun doing, and things will fall into place... as for the rest, fuck em good, fuck em hard, fuck em all.
Best of luck to you on your future musical career.
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COMMENT | Well, duh...
posted by : BlabberMagnetic
11/20/2008 6:51:02 AM
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We want that drugged out bassist and that hack on guitar back in the band so we can continue not buying your records and not seeing your shows and you will finally get the message that it's time to disappear into obscurity.
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COMMENT | Looks like Billy has issues
posted by :
11/20/2008 6:56:52 AM
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What a drama QUEEN.
The first 3 albums the Pumpkins did were killer then they ran out of ideas.
I remember when they jumped on the techno craze just to see it flop.
Oh well
ARCH ENEMY and NEVERMORE DVDs on Tuesday ! ! ! ! ! !
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COMMENT |
posted by : H5N1
11/20/2008 7:21:56 AM
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I dont want a damn thing from him....
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 7:28:17 AM
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What a douche.
Cry me a river Billy...
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COMMENT | too weird
posted by : cirkis
11/20/2008 7:32:50 AM
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I have to admit - on a "20th anniversery (sp)" tour I really would expect a set that was 80% made up from Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie, and Gish.
He shouldn't be ashamed to be playing those songs or doing a "greatest hits" tour - Billy made a big contribution to rock music and should be proud to play those songs.
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COMMENT | Why do you act this way?
posted by :
11/20/2008 8:30:57 AM
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Billy do you constantly think about this while you're not onstage?
Let me say this,
I just saw Nine Inch Nails last friday. They have been around pretty much as long as the Pumpkins, if not longer because Trent never gave up on his project, not once. Their set consisted of plenty of songs from their back catalog (ie. Closer, Wish, Gave Up, Head Like a Hole, Terrible Lie, March of the Pigs, Piggy etc.) They also played quite a few new songs (Discipline, The Warning, Echoplex, Letting You, 1000000, Survivalism, Only, etc.) The fans were very happy. Trent was very humble and gracious to the fans for supporting his act, especially since they have no label support, and everything was coming out of the band's pockets as far as touring and production costs.
Now I think the glaring difference between the two acts is that only one of them chose to do a 30-plus minute free jam in their set. Smashing Pumpkins is not a Jazz-Fusion act. Their fans are not necessarily Jazz-Fusion fans. Some people simply don't understand the motive behind playing something like that when you could be re-visiting classics or simply playing new material.
That's the issue Billy, I think you're a great songwriter and artist, and you should be proud of the accomplishments you've made with the Pumpkins. But put yourself in the fans shoes. Some people will love you no matter what, there's no denying it. But if you want mass-appeal (which no matter what you say, is glaringly obvious because of these, kind of, emotion-influenced rants you decide to close your show with, it's nothing more than a 'poor me' response that you're sending to the people. What do you think people are going to remember?) You could've sent these people home very happy very easily. And you would be satisfied yourself.
I've listened to the Pumpkins for a long time and it's sad to watch you show disrespect to your own legacy and harbor this self-consciousness about your music. Your songs are beautiful, embrace them.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 8:33:49 AM
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Get James Iha back in the fold
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 8:35:52 AM
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What do we want?
You to shut up and make music!
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COMMENT | What the fans want...
posted by : spirit76
11/20/2008 8:37:35 AM
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....well, Billy, you could start by losing the dress onstage, or whatever that godawful thing is.
You could continue by recognizing that a few new songs at a show is terrific, but largely, the kids from this decade haven't quite discovered you yet. Your audience is largely from the mid-90's. They want to hear 'Cherub Rock", 'Today", 'Rocket", etc. Don't trash what made you great.
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COMMENT | ^^^^
posted by : BlabberMagnetic
11/20/2008 8:39:56 AM
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Hahaha.
I was shocked to find Billy Corgan in his dress on the new Guitar Hero. His character is unlockable, but he will remain that way.
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COMMENT | crashing and burning....
posted by : Metal Gimp
11/20/2008 8:43:40 AM
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this new pumpkins tour is a complete farce. I hope there's a documentary crew following them round and filming them during this... It will be better than Spinal Tap!!
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COMMENT | sieda666
posted by :
11/20/2008 8:45:10 AM
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Right on. My thoughts exactly.
Pumpkins have always been Corgan's own band. He played all the instruments in the albums except drums, he wrote all the songs, produced the albums etc... It was always his vision. James Iha, although a good guitarist, is not essential to Pumpkins sound, as it was Billy who even played his solos on the albums - I laughed my ass off when I saw the solo in Geek USA as "one of the best solos ever" in a list somewhere for James Iha. The solo on the album was played by Corgan!! And as for Darcy. Now she is not a musician even. Where is she, what is she doing nowadays? The same goes for Iha. Where did he disappear into? Clouds? His solo stuff is crap.
So, it was always Corgan's baby and whether you like it or not, or whether it works or not for you, Corgan has always been into experimentation. That's how the Pumpkins sound progressed from Gish to the dreamy heaviness of Siamese dream and to Mellon Collie. Some albums are not strong as the others, but face it, he at least had the balls to head into the open space of experimentation instead of writing albums full of Bullet with butterfly wings or 1979 or Today. He obviously was not into that.
I liked Zeitgeist. For me it's the album that Pumpkins came nearest to heavy metal. There are some superb songs on it in form of United States, Stars and 7 shades of black. I saw them live in summer 2007 at a festival, superb show, superb musicianship with a lot of improvisation. Totally psychedelic and spaced up. And I am happy with this direction they are taking now, for me it is really, really interesting to see what Corgan will come up with in this direction.
And as for the "pop" fans who wants the "hit" songs played over and over... This is the wrong band. Pumpkins have always been too good for that. Corgan may be a madman, but he is an extremely skilled guitar player and unique songwriter, and he is backed up with one of the best drummers of his era, Chamberlain.
So, it is quite meaningful for them to play what they want on this 20th anniversary tour. This tour is a celebration for the future of the band. Too bad that most people are flat.
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COMMENT | Here's what I want
posted by : VelveetaRevolver
11/20/2008 8:49:21 AM
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Get James and D'arcy back in the damn band already.
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COMMENT | Billy has to decide what he wants the Pumpkins to be
posted by :
11/20/2008 8:58:24 AM
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If he wants to do arenas again, and try to get back to his former level of glory, than you just can't do a 2 1/2 hour show with obsucre songs and a 17 minute Pink Floyd cover/jam session to end the set. BUT, if he just wants to follow his muse whereever it takes him, great, he's an incredible musician, but he's going to have to accept that if he takes that path, he's going to spend the remainder of his career playing smaller theaters for smaller crowds. Which might be ok. He doesn't need the money, but if he wants to be big again, it's obvious what he has to do. NIN is the perfect example as a poster above noted. Anyway, I respect him for not taking the easy path, but if you take the hard road, don't bitch about it!!
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COMMENT | yet another misleading blabbermouth headline.
posted by : aia94
11/20/2008 9:08:48 AM
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he wasn't even ranting. he was joking around. if you watch the whole clip you'll see that.
i saw them at mohegan sun arena on sunday & they fucking rocked! they played for almost 3 hours.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 9:08:54 AM
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reminds me of axl rose
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COMMENT | What do we want?
posted by : Ace96
11/20/2008 9:47:57 AM
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We want you to retire again. Face it, SP are a nastalgia act now. Nobody cares about their obscure songs or their 17 minute wankfests.
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COMMENT | what a douche nozzle
posted by : deth n roll
11/20/2008 9:48:29 AM
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as a former fan that was quite happy when he hung it up all those years ago, he's really pissing on any good memories people had of that band.
you dont know what your fans want?
try stop dressing like ziggy stardust and play the hits. there.
i know ziggy stardust, and youre no ziggy stardust, mr corgan.
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COMMENT | Dear Billy...
posted by :
11/20/2008 10:11:23 AM
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Three things;
1.Nevermind
2.Shut up and play your guitar some more
3. F&@k 'em if they can't take a joke.
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COMMENT | Hey Billy
posted by :
11/20/2008 11:01:10 AM
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Call me crazy, but I am guessing the FANS want you to play MUSIC. They probably would like to hear songs that are considered 'popular' too.
The desperate attempt to seem cool doesn't appear to be going over well. I mean. why piss off your dwindeling fan base?
Just go out and rock.
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COMMENT |
posted by : pigchop
11/20/2008 11:14:38 AM
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The Rise And Fall
Of Billy Stardust
And
The Hired Hacks
From Muscians R Us.
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COMMENT |
posted by : RiotAct666
11/20/2008 11:35:07 AM
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Saw SP this year. and they played hit songs and a couple new ones. Billy didn't have a fit or rant during the show.
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COMMENT | zzzzzzzzzzzzz
posted by : DownShine99
11/20/2008 11:38:35 AM
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This guy is so boring i couldnt even watch the rant. no wonder the fans were angry
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COMMENT |
posted by : puthimdownyafrig
11/20/2008 11:44:51 AM
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asshole
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 12:00:50 PM
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IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC NOT THE DAMN LINEUP!
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COMMENT | "WE LOVE YOU BILLY!!!"
posted by :
11/20/2008 12:16:35 PM
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did you hear the two bitches by the camera yelling that?
a bullet with butterfly wings for them please.
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COMMENT | What a douche..
posted by : grumpy1
11/20/2008 12:32:37 PM
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I couldn't make it past him saying he was going to go home and masturbate about Palin...that's a visual I didn't need asshole.
Oh and what do they want? How about making some of the music that mad you popular...Gish etc.
Accordion does not belong in heavy rock...sorry.
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COMMENT |
posted by : coorsman66
11/20/2008 1:24:50 PM
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GOD this band sucked back in the day and they still suck now,
FUCK alternative music. and Fuck this band.. I want you to go away.
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COMMENT | !!!
posted by :
11/20/2008 1:27:47 PM
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saw them live 2 years ago and they were great!!!! i dont care if he plays all the hits or not, most rock bands, Pumpkins included have far more songs then just the hits. but if you realy wanna play the other songs you have to play to a smaller crowd wich consist just of your true fans, because if you play a big show many of the people there will only know the hits and only bought the albums because of 1-2 songs and maybe just have one album and that is the album that sold most but isnt neceserily the best album. but gish up and with Mellon Collie are great albums, and Adore was very good too but different. Machina is ok, and the last one is very good at times but has few fillers.
i just hope the next album will be all great, they should maybe get Terry Date to produce it all and make it very heavy album with maybe 2-3 very good slower songs.
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COMMENT | KILL YOURSELF and set us free
posted by :
11/20/2008 1:47:03 PM
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wine is fine but...
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 1:48:43 PM
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just go up there and ROCK, dont need to do anything else
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COMMENT |
posted by : Biki
11/20/2008 1:56:17 PM
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I don't care for smashing pumpkins, but all the people I know that did, there's no pleasing those assholes. They just want something exclusive to them, exactly how they remember it. Sooo..yeah..you need the original line up, and play only old songs.
Stop bein a bitch about it too.
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COMMENT | I'm not your fan...
posted by : FreedomOfSpeech
11/20/2008 2:07:19 PM
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...but I want you to dissappear.
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COMMENT | DirtySanchez
posted by :
11/20/2008 2:19:40 PM
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"Corgan has pretty much realized that he's not really that good after all... He was always very much over-rated to the extent that he started to buy into it.
Now he's in his 40s, he hasn't been doing his job of giving his fans what they want, and now he's lost alot of them. And by him putting on this pathetic display of self pity and whining like a 12 year old girl who's parents won't buy her a cell phone... It pretty much closes the door on him ever getting back the career that he shouldn't have even had in the first place.
Just do us all a favor Billy, and just stop playing if it's so upsetting to you... There are plenty of bands out there that are hungry to make it and you will just be passed up.
Just shut the fuck up, and go home Billy..."
I am a fan of this band, but you are dead on!!!! These motherfuckers are so saddened by the fame, but they don't have a problem with the checks. Because if you don't want to be rich & famous, then don't be rich & famous. Donate your money to charity & move somewhere quiet where you can keep an extremely low profile.
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COMMENT | One more thing......
posted by :
11/20/2008 2:22:28 PM
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Nobody became rich & famous by accident. You have to want to be rich & famous.
It is very easy to not be rich & famous if you don't want to be. Believe me, I've wanted to be rich & famous for a long time and it still hasn't happened.
It probably never will. Oh well!!
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COMMENT | meh...
posted by :
11/20/2008 2:38:14 PM
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Dude's a dork. He wrote a few good songs here and there, but nothing to really even get me through a whole album...
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COMMENT |
posted by :
11/20/2008 3:55:10 PM
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This is getting kinda stupid now... At first it was alright, Fans have been whining and bitching way too much.
But enough dude.
Oh and people don't want him to disappear into obscurity.. He's talented. Why would you want someone like that to go away? Because he bitches at you? Get over yourselves.
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COMMENT | Amazed
posted by : Jack Bauer
11/20/2008 4:14:13 PM
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I am constantly amazed at the stock some of the people on here put into who the drummer and bass players are. This is not the 1970's or 80's, and it never will be again. Bad members are interchangable now more than ever. Acts like NIN and Maryllin Manson have made that the norm. Axl Rose is about to show everyone just how irrelevant everyone other than the lead singer really is.
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COMMENT | just one thing
posted by : Devil's Deja Vu
11/20/2008 4:30:52 PM
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the pumpkins are not metal at all !!! what the fuck ?!?!?!?!
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COMMENT | NIN and pumpkins - 2 massive differences
posted by : gavmet07
11/20/2008 4:51:37 PM
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Trent is the ultimate professional, plays heaps of new and old stuff, and to be honest Im not their biggest fan, but the shows are AWESOME.
This bullshit about talking for 10 minutes, screaming " Billy, Billy" is a load of shit, and the 20 minute jame sessions? What the fuck is that?
And learn how to TALK billy, for fucks sake. Im glad I saw em when they toured back in 1999 in Sydney, played a great gig, I got an awesome blowjob in my seat from my then girlfreind, and a great night was had by all! hehehe
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COMMENT | Billy...
posted by :
11/20/2008 5:27:01 PM
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Billy
Most people want to go to a concert and hear the songs they like. It's really that simple. 3/4 of your set should be your best, well known songs. The other 1/4 should be obscure gems for the diehards, as well as mixing a few songs that you just want to play. Maiden and Metallica have this down to a science. People will listen to your new single as long as you play a few songs they already know and like.
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COMMENT |
posted by : ...and the winds blew death
11/20/2008 8:05:20 PM
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I dont know how to feel. Im all for artists doing what THEY want but live shows are usually the exception. Those are the times when you usually should just do what the fans want (so long as youre still able to play/sing the songs). Take Slayer for example. If their shows werent mostly filled with 80s stuff you think their live act would be half as great? Of course not. And they devote their set to the early era (up to Seasons, which is of course the 90s) because its what the fans want.
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COMMENT |
posted by : ...and the winds blew death
11/20/2008 8:07:48 PM
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So yeah...do what the fuck you want on the studio albums. Thats your baby. But the live shows? Thats the fans time. Theyre the one paying $20+ dollars, plus drinks, plus parking fees, and, in many cases, a long drive.
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COMMENT | He Should Know
posted by :
11/21/2008 8:47:20 AM
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Billy Corgan is a huge Cheap Trick fan. They know what the fans want and deliver time and time again.....
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