The day after Independence Day Milwaukee is basically still the 4th, especially at Summerfest. The Pumpkins are playing their first show in town since the epic ‘96 Mellon Collie show at the (massive, old) Bradley Center. Its 1998 and its probably 98 degrees with 98% humidity. This is why this show needs to be released officially… the humidity made the sound of Billy & James’ guitars super smooth and the keys of Mike Garson linger forever… Billy’s screams at the end of Transmission are LEGENDARY… they floated over the lake all the way to Chicago… the 15 minute version of For Martha, the banter about Da Bears from James and the sweat of the crowd during the raucous Bullet With Butterfly Wings… it was a unique time for diehard Pumpkins fans, but it was easy to defend the idea that they were the greatest band in the world this night because even the most pessimistic fans who wanted SD or MCIS 2, got a rock show for the ages. The damp melancholic rage pierced through the night with a groove and a fire that kept every fan in awe as we left the Marcus Amphitheater… more people adored the band after that performance for sure.