It’s been quite the busy year for Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan. While performing alongside Marilyn Manson on the The End Times tour in late 2015, the Smashing Pumpkins decided to switch up their live shows. Alongside drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, the Pumpkins embarked on their In Plainsong acoustic tour. The band additionally performed a series of acoustic shows in which no drummer was present. To provide percussion, the band utilized drum machines and tapes. Inspired by this shake-up, the band announced on Facebook that they were heading “straight to the studio after the dates to record a brand new album inspired by the sounds explored in the new acoustic setting”. Clearly, Corgan took this inspiration to heart and went to work right away. In late May, Corgan made the debuted two brand new acoustic songs live on stage at Madame Zuzu’s Tea House (which he owns). Both performances can be viewed below.

With talks of a potential reunion of the classic Smashing Pumpkins lineup, fans have a lot to be excited about. The downtempo acoustic direction the band seems to be taking for their upcoming record seem to call back to the days of American Gothic. Only time will tell if the notoriously unapologetic Corgan will be able to recruit his former band mates for this project. Corgan has recently gained the spotlight for making controversial comments on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ show Infowars regarding presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Hopefully this project will be successful enough to regain any fans that Corgan may have alienated with his political opinions.