The signature sound of Billy Corgan filled Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater for The Smashing Pumpkins current tour of the US and Europe. Although the original lineup of the SP is long gone, Corgan still knows how to put on quite a show with the rest of the (quite talented) band. Breaking out hits like Geek USA and Bullet With Butterfly Wings the Smashing Pumpkins brought fans from multiple generations to their feet for the majority of the show.

The general admission pit allowed fans to get up close and personal to the SP, unlike a lot of rock concerts that are straying away from the traditional “pit” at certain venues. Using some very technical lighting and visual effects, the band gave fans a great visual experience, complementing the amazing performance. Although very good musically, the sound techs seemed to be on a different page than the band. Sound quality in the upper level of the Riverside was poor and I could barely make out Corgan’s vocals. It seemed to be better down on the lower level were most of the craziness was happening but nonetheless the show should’ve been as good for all in attendance.

Thankfully the Smashing Pumpkins superior performance made up for the sound troubles and made for a very memorable addition to the 90′s type week that’s been rolling through Milwaukee.