Billy speaks before Monterrey gig
Grupo Reforma’s El Norte newspaper scored an interview, from which this edited-down portion has emerged onto YouTube. (Sí, hay subtítulos en español.) He talks about trying to see the world while on tour, about the changes in the band, and the role of an artist in conveying messages. Here’s a notable quote:
Old SP was very much about challenging, and we used the violence in the music and the dark images in the songs to push people to feel things…but that was another time. Now I think the world really needs happier things, lighter things, but also truth.
I thought it cute that Billy called the band "SP."
And it's also cute he still thinks he's Glass and God is talking to him through the radio, hehe. Great interview! (And for 40, Billy is still looking very youthful. See, the drugs ARE good for you, haha.)
I want a fucking Smashed Pumpkin, not a Blessed Pumpkin!
I really hope that I don't hear any grand mention of "God" in the next album, or else that is it for me! This interview gave me a pretty good impression as to how he feels about his music now, and not that it's bad at all, but it just doesn't float MY boat. I already hear enough fake corny Christian Jesus rock, and this band seemed like the last musical escape for me to crawl inside.
I never thought that my opinion of this band would be changed, but this changed quite a bit... Oh no...
I want a fucking Smashed Pumpkin, not a Blessed Pumpkin!
I really hope that I don't hear any grand mention of "God" in the next album, or else that is it for me! This interview gave me a pretty good impression as to how he feels about his music now, and not that it's bad at all, but it just doesn't float MY boat. I already hear enough fake corny Christian Jesus rock, and this band seemed like the last musical escape for me to crawl inside.
I never thought that my opinion of this band would be changed, but this changed quite a bit... Oh no...
geez....come off it, man. I think it's totally lame to say you don't like the pumpkins anymore just because Billy talks about God. What's so wrong with that? It's not like he's a Jehova's witness knocking on your door or trying to cram his beliefs down your throat or anything. You don't have to believe the same things he does, but to write off the band just because he talks about God in an interview is the lamest thing I've ever heard of. Have an open mind about things...you'll find the world to be a lot more interesting if you do.
and those pictures are absolutely hilarious. I wonder if they did teh three amigo salute.
I actually think Billy has quite well summed up why the new SP sounds and acts differently to before; the whole dark and light energy thing.
Also, I get what your saying Easter Mind that the whole God thing makes it sound like they're going all zwan-like, but Im pretty sure they are still able to totally rock out, so I wouldnt worry about that. Its not Christian, its just more spiritual if that makes sense.
I too confess that I am attracted to the darkness of a lot of their music but if you can still like whats on Zeitgeist then you probably wouldnt needen worry. I doubt it'll change that much...
awesome interview. the mariachi pics are awesome, but i like how billy summed up and pointed out there's a difference between the old and new. but i still believe he still has some dark songs yet to come.
I agree with what you nice folk are saying. I think at first it just struck me with a strong opinion because I have deeply held feelings about religion as well as religious music that have not been too fond throughout my life.
ZEITGEIST freaking rocked my socks off, and I really enjoyed American Gothic too. I just have this vision of the Pumpkins turning into Jeremy Camp for some reason.
