Smashing Pumpkins: A newbie on the tour bus
Kevin Bronson on
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[As he did during 2008’s 20th anniversary tour, Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder will be sharing his thoughts and observations with Buzz Bands readers as Billy Corgan and his (50% new) crew embark on a 15-date U.S. tour, which kicked off Tuesday. The Pumpkins, touring as a four-piece with Corgan, Schroeder and newest members Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino, will be back in L.A. Aug. 28 to headline the Sunset Strip Music Festival. When he’s not with the Pumpkins, Schroeder, an O.C. native, is a grad student at UCLA.]
7.7.2010 2:02am (on the way from Cleveland to Grand Rapids)
First of all, I’d like to thank Buzz Bands for asking me to do another blog series for this Smashing Pumpkins tour. It’s really hard to believe it was 2008 the last time we did this (touring and blogging).
The first show last night was pretty solid. Not too much to say, other than that Cleveland is such a great rock city. I always like playing here, even though we couldn’t find the House of Blues’ stage at first. Had to say that.
One of the most exciting things about this tour is watching Mike Byrne (our new drummer is 20 years old) get to experience all of this for the first time. For example, this is his first tour bus, and he just admitted to me that he’s pretty blown away by it. Six months from now, he’ll probably be so over all of it. He doesn’t know I’m writing about him, and he’ll most likely be a little annoyed. But who cares? I treat him like my little brother: a little mean, but mostly nice. I just wish he’d stop playing video games all the time.
See everyone in Grand Rapids.
â—Š â—Š â—Š
Meanwhile: The Pumpkins on Tuesday released the latest free song in the Teargarden by Kaleidyscope project, “Freak.” Have an opinion on it?
Hey Jeff,
I can’t wait to see you guys perform in Baltimore. It’s my girlfriend’s birthday and I plan on proposing to her during the concert. We will try to get to soundcheck by waiting in line. Anyway I can get on stage to propose to her? It would make our life and dreams come true?
Let him propose on stage. That’s just something you got to let happen. I say all in favor: YAY!
jeff! First of all, great to see you back on stage with the pumpkins, the new stuff is awesome, loving every minute of it, and i hope you make it to scotland before too much longer 😉 second, you have to get pl on stage to propose to his lady! How cool would that be? Anyway, keep up the good work, and look after mike for us!
Haha, awesome blog Jeff! I’m looking forward to reading more! Sounds like you guys are going to have a great tour! Wish I could catch a show!
Have a good one!
Thanks for the positive reinforcement. My girlfriend is the biggest SP fan ever and we are coming from NY to see the show because she will be away for the NY show. I just bought the ring today and am so overly excited/nervous for the moment to give it to her.
But for some reason, when I bought it for her, I heard “Today” in my head. Cheesy, yes, but there is a reason for everything.
go for it man! And good luck!
[…] pm // Wednesday, July 7, 2010 Posted by jjb in postchildren. trackback Jeff Schroeder and Mike Byrne blog about Mike […]
hey Jeff! Have you recorded ‘As Rome Burns’? becaucse there are some rumours about that beast song being on EP#2? is it possible? or are they only rumours? maybe we’ll get the tracklist for EP2?;]
I was at the Cleveland show and you guys f’n rocked. What a wonderful show. Mike did an awesome job on the drums, anyone who doubts him should hear him live, then they can shut their mouth!!! I was at the sound check and was totally blown away with the new material. I was beyond grateful to be one of the 20 to hear the sound check. Thank you for such a great oppertunity
I really don’t want to say this, but I was the one asking for an autograph after the sound check and I promise they only said no camera’s, I was told autos were fine….. I’m sorry to the band for making the mistake of asking someone I thought was with you guys.
Anyway…. Great show!!!!! One of the best I’ve seen! I really hope to get to catch another one asap! Thank you guys for such a great show, you all rocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saw you guys in Cleveland, and it was BRILLIANT, me and my old school pumpkins fan Aunt absolutely loved every minute of the concert! You guys played every one of our favorite songs (Stand Inside Your Love, Thats the Way, Gossamer, pretty much the whole concert!) Every one in the band did a standout job, and I wish I could give you all a pat on the back. Nicole is a great bassist, and she totally adds to the SP atmosphere. She just clicks with you guys, dont lose her lol. Mikey Byrne man! You were totally awsome, especially on United States and Tarantula. We at the SP camp are all behind you, and we’re all glad your our new drummer! Keep it up dude, your gonna be a legend.
Shredder man, you and Billy were BRILLIANT! Even better than the last time I saw you guys. Music just seems to effortlessly flow out of your guitars, and Billys voice was BETTER than I have ever heard it before.
Overall, a legendary show, at an intimate venue, by my favorite band. What more could I ask for?
Thanks guys!
“TOAD DISTORTION”. =)
rock on, jeff!
jeff!
good concert in jakarta. but we were disappointed with the closing. 🙁