Fronting one of the most iconic alternative acts of all time, the intersection of Billy Corgan’s personal and public persona has often lead to a smoke-screen of mystery and rumour. From asking politely earlier this year to be referred to exclusively as William Patrick Corgan, to his severely centrist views that teeter on the edge of alt-right, The Smashing Pumpkins frontman’s personal life has often overshadowed his musical output in recent years.
Mr William Patrick took to Instagram to reflect on the year that’s been, pondering on what 2018 may have to offer, saying in a caption, “The year to come looks exciting. I hope you take this time, the festive time of holidays, to rest and enjoy the beautiful blessings of life.” Ah, how wholesome.
A follow-up post revealed what the alt-rock forebearer has been up to in the last few months, setting his sights on a double-album release for the new year “I just finished a few weeks recording in Nashville for the follow-up to Ogilala. So far (the new album) is more stark and tangled. Also looks like it will be a double (16 songs at least)”
Corgan’s first solo release since 2005, Ogilala was unveiled in October, which saw Corgan collaborate with former Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and fuse the sounds of soothing folk rock and acoustic balladry. The alt-innovator also released a silent filmed titled, Pillbox which Corgan described as “a different approach to listening to an album, to watch it in essence with a related, albeit non-linear, silent movie. Art is art. And together the two pieces create a work unto itself”
Rumours have also swelled regarding a 2018 Pumpkins reunion, featuring all original band members with Corgan entertaining the idea in an interview saying, “there’s a willingness for us to play, but also the world’s changed a lot since we didn’t play.” Could Billy’s recording efforts be potentially set for a Pumpkins release? Only time will tell….
