You inspired me to get a degree in music. You also inspired my friends and I to form Minneapolis Bands
Matthew Schmidt Minnesota, US
Happy Birthday William!
Just wanted to share with you how you continue to inspire people. I started playing guitar in 2014 when I was 14. About a year in my friend suggested I check out Smashing Pumpkins because I enjoyed Nirvana but found it repetitive. Man was I blown away. I had never heard of hard rock having so much variance, texture, and good writing. Right away I brought this to my high school band and we learned about 10 songs. For our 2nd Talent Show we performed Geek U.S.A. We pushed ourselves beyond our limits just trying to nail your songs and we grew very quick as musicians.
When we graduated from high school in 2018 we were lucky enough to have SP reunite for a tour and to catch it in Minneapolis. I was in the 14th row waving an original “Today is the Greatest” shirt made by my friend and you pointed and gave a thumbs up. Safe to say it was a good bowtie on graduation.
Since then I have gone and gotten a B.S. in Music industry and have been writing and recording for about 7 years now. My friend, Will Keebler, has also started a band called Pullstring in Minneapolis. I just wanted to share that you continue to shape and inspire artists around the world. My favorite thing you have ever done is Space Oddity. A true transformation of a good song in to new light.
With Love, care, and wishing the best birthday yet,
Matthew
Artwork of BC
Adam J Rogoz Chicago, US
A painting I did of Billy several years ago. Billy and the Pumpkins have been the single greatest influence in my life and artistic pursuits. Happy Birthday!
Tattoo
Melisa Punta Gorda Fl, US
Happy birthday Billy Corgan! I got this tattoo after seeing you in Portland ME last August with my sister whom I introduced Smashing Pumpkins! Have a beautiful day!
Baby Billy
Violet Lambert Monkton, VT , US
I was ten when I went to Madame Zuzù’s, and I didn’t expect to see Billy. I was too afraid to meet him! My grandpa told me Billy was in the room, and the air was literally sucked out of my body. I went home and drew this picture.
Monique Las Vegas , nv, US
Be still my heart… you have managed to transcend words, phrases and musical notes into something only my heart can comprehend. You have saved my life on numerous occasions and I will always be in awe of your musical talent and all that you have to offer the world. I will reflect with an enormous gratitude for the times that I was able to meet you and look back at my life with those being the greatest memories that I have…Happy birthday Mr Corgan may you have the most amazing day!
San Antonio TX 5-2-22
Dale Adermann San Antonio TX, US
5-2-22 San Antonio TX. Was able to take my daughter to another Smashing Pumpkins concert. Thank you !
16 AUGUST 2018
Jacqueline Fernandina Beach , US
18 Aug was the first time I saw SP live. They played for about three hours. Couldn’t believe everyone wasn’t screaming for all the songs, singing all the songs bc they’re all AMAZING! Thanks for defining my generation and coloring my spirit so profoundly and beautifully with your music. See you in the UK this summer!
Picture Taken At the Hollywood Bowl!in 2022
German Bejarano Santa Monica, CA, US
This picture was taken at the Hollywood Bowl show back on November 19, 2022, they played that day with Jane’s Addition. That was an awesome show and a once-in-a-million chance to see SP playing at such an iconic venue!! I will always remember that show!
WPC killing it in Argentina
Newton Dixon Jr New York City, US
WPC front in center at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires Argentina. SP created a beautiful frenzy with the fans.
WPC encouraged my music when I was battling cancer 🙏❤️
Luke Daniel Exeter, GB
I wish so much I could have found the other message Billy sent me also. I was finishing chemotherapy in 2019 and expressed how his music was my soundtrack for those rough 8 hours, every few weeks for several months. This screenshot is all I have as I’m not active on instagram anymore, but I had auditioned as a pianist for his project and having your absolute favourite genius musician say you were a good player was absolutely incredible and a blessing, especially when dealing with cancer.
He was SO generous, kind hearted and empathetic. It made a world of difference for me.
Happiest birthday Billy! You are so incredibly gifted, yet humble and empathetic and I’ll never forget these moments or when I saw you after kicking cancer’s bum in 2019 in Sweden! Rock on ❤️❤️🙏🎶
With Billy at the original Zuzus for the Siddhartha event
Penny Woodside, US
About 10 yrs ago i went to the original Zuzus for the Siddhartha event. At the end of the day, I got to take a picture with Billy. I traveled from New York to attend this and it’s a day I will always remember fondly. Happiest of birthdays to a person who has made a deep positive impact on my life with his music, lyrics, and poetry. I ADORE him.