Changing

Matthew Patton Dayton, Ohio, US

I got MCIS used at a “CD Connection” store. Stayed in my cars 6 Disc CD changer for the whole summer and still call it the comprehensive soundtrack to my young life. I changed and began to look at everything differently after experiencing that album. This album and Final Fantasy 7 was a huge influence on me. 

Infinite Loneliness

Aimee Brockville, Ontario, CA

I was a depressed teen, not knowing what to do in life. I chose to move to a larger city (Ottawa) to go to college, and the first month there SP were touring. I did not know anyone there, but I bought a ticket and planned a bus route to get to the concert. I loved the album so much that summer, that I wrote a letter to Billy, I never sent it or kept it. The album helped with my sadness. The night of the show I felt alone, but in the crowd I was excited and I felt like I belonged. There is a beauty that comes from sadness. This was the first and only concert I ever went to alone. The bus ride home I talked with some fans but they got off at a stop before me. I went to the last stop on the line that night, but it was still far from where I lived. I didn’t know where I was, I had not thought this through. Terrified at this abandoned outdoor bus terminial, I figured out  what  street I was near and I either used a pay phone or waved down a cab ride because this was before cell phones. In any case, I made it into the cab and I was relieved to have enough cash on me to pay for the ride home. The loneliness I felt after the show was intense, but the music made it worth this experience. I felt stronger after and that I could make out okay on my own.

I still struggle with loneliness all the time and I am grateful for this album.

promo copy

Stacy Mecklenburg Fredericksburg, US

I was working at a record store in upstate NY when we received a promotional copy of Mellon Collie. I had been a fan of the band, and was excited to hear the new double album. We played it no less than 10 times in a row that first day, and that’s the day I fell in love with Billy Corgan. His genius sneaked into my heart like a bull sneaking into a china shop. I fell hard, and forever. 

Forever Connected

Carol Linden, VA, US

After a bad divorce, I found the love of my life in 1996.  We loved MCIS, and every song was poetry for our relationship.   He would call me on the phone and without saying a word would play Tonight Tonight. for me.  Sadly, he passed away from cancer years later.  Now every time I hear the song it reminds me of him and makes me smile.    “And our lives are forever changed – We will never be the same”

Sweet XV

Mónica Mendoza Mexico City, Mexico, MX

I was turning 15 years old and in Mexico, families have the tradition to do a party for their daughters, something like the Sweet 16th for USA: I didn’t wanted to have a party because I was not into that, but at the end, we did it. Is common that the girl dance a Waltz and I chose Tonight, Tonight, of course, my parents decided to go for something more traditional. At the party, one person gave me a special edition of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, and I played Tonight, Tonight. I dance with my parents, friends and family. That’s the only good memory I have from that day. Thanks Smashing Pumpkins for so much! 

Childhood Memories

Patrick Albany, US

I was 5 years old when MCIS came out. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are seeing the music videos for Bullet, 1979 & Tonight, Tonight on mTV. I remember my mom & grandma driving me to do errands & 1979 playing on the car radio. The nostalgia of those songs made way for my full-blown fandom in 2005 when I found my brother’s CD copy & borrowed it. He got mad because I overplayed the crud out of it. I drowned in the rest of their catalogue, and I haven’t turned back since. I still get goosebumps when I watch the vid for Tonight x2.

MCIS Triple Trouble

Paul Cannock, GB

Bought MCIS on release and had to pick two copies (one for the girlfriend at the time). Without mobile phones, I had no way to ask her which version she wanted so I bought the triple vinyl and the CD and asked her which she wanted when I saw her. She took the triple vinyl and a year later we broke up, not because of the vinyl but because I was a dick. We got back together about 12 years later and I never brought up the idea of getting it back. After a couple of years we broke up again and both got married so it’s now gone forever. Prices for that triple set are mad now but I’d love to get a vinyl reissue

Mellon Collie Baby

Christina Big Spring, US

MCIS always reminds me of being 13, laying in the bed of my dad’s truck, stargazing, & listening to this album. I never skipped a song. Been a Pumpkins fan ever since. 

Forever, you.

Glen Fernandez Phoenix, AZ, US

I was completely hooked the moment I saw BWBW on MTV. I vividly remember the first time I heard Zero shortly after; same when the 1979 and Tonight, Tonight videos premiered. I was completely obsessed. I had a SP shirt for every day of the week at school, and even wrote the full lyrics to 1979 on the chalkboard in my 7th grade English class. I was THE Pumpkins guy at school. While I often performed air-guitar SP concerts in my room, the MCIS tour in ’96 was my first real concert. I made my family wait with me in line at the box office to get tickets (with folding chairs in tow). The entire MCIS experience – the album, the artwork, the videos, the b-sides – have partially defined who I am and what I like, and for that, I am forever grateful. 

The journey of a lifetime

Laila Washington, US

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness took me from enthusiastic Smashing Pumpkins fan to utterly obsessed Smashing Pumpkins fan. No other music connects with my soul as strongly, and the journey over the last 25 years since MCIS’s release has been incredible.  When I married my husband of 10 years, I walked down the aisle to Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

I think I love this band

Kristen North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, US

I’m riding in the car with my mom. 1979 comes on the radio, and I say to my mom, “Momma, I think I love this band.” After that, I changed my entire bedroom to reflect my love. It stayed that way until it became my brother’s room a few years later, the posters on the walls changed will subsequent album releases.

Calgary AB, Mellon Collie Tour Stop

Jeff Neily Calgary, Alberta, CA

My memory is seeing the Pumpkins in Calgary AB on the Mellon Collie Tour and I had floor seats for this gig at the Saddledome. Right in front of me, sitting with his son, was Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Billy, being a big wrestling fan, would appreciate that “The Hitman” attended this show. 

French kids

Simon Quebec City, CA

At the ages of 13 and 15, my brother and I spoke little English and kept calling our radio station requesting “bullet and da flowing”, with the angsty chorus that started with “spine nanarana”.  I bought the album and every one since then.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Memories

Billy Aikens Rockford, TN, US

Listening to this album recalls my youth. This album is hanging out and playing magic with friends. This album is getting off from high school and heading out for a night of fun. This album is long lost loves of youth. This album is when music meant more. This album is when life was so complex it was simple, this album is life, love, sadness, and yes happiness as well. This album is also the present as my son listens for the first time and falls in love with this music. It is the future as I grow old still a pumpkin head.

Thirty Three

Michelle Rialto, CA, US

Tenth grade year 2000. I needed to  breakdown a song as a poem and rewrite the analysis as a full report. I chose Thirty Three, but needed the lyrics typed and printed. I used this excuse to ask my crush if he could help with printing the lyrics. Handed him the lyric book, and he agreed to help. Throughout the years, through a friendship that has been both virtuous and unfavorable, we always find our way back to a fortunate friendship.  We both agree 20 years later, that Thirty Three reminds us of each other. Every lyric in that song seems to have been printed out for our friendship. 

The first and beautiful Smashing Pumpkins experience.

Alex Montpellier, FR

It was the first Smashing Pumpkins CD I bought when it came out. I was a teen back then. I already knew some of the songs heard on radio. But I wasn’t ready for the strong and beautiful feeling this album give me. As a lot of people the band help me in various way as a cathartic experience. And Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness, in some way, healed my mind, helped me feel better. And it was the first time music had so much impact on me. A majestic album! Thank you! 

Learning the Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness on Piano

Jeff Bartell Somerville, MA, US

I have never formally learned to play piano; no lessons and no training. I spent the entire winter of 2017 learning to play Mellon Collie and The Infinite sadness on piano, practicing day in and day out to get the timings and hand formations right from scratch. It was a life long dream to be able to play it straight through with no mistakes. It took me about 5 months. I rented it out a studio to play it on a grand piano and film it. As you see in the clip, it’s not played with a lot of finesse, but maybe that’s OK for a non-player?

Mellon Collie And The Infinite Companion

Brian Illanes Rossi Ferrari Buenos Aires, AR

For me, MCIS is one of my favourite albums of all time. It’s really especial, and I love it.

What I cherish more about it is the melodic nature of it, and the way it delivers it’s melancholy with different dynamics. It’s the perfect balance between happy-sad, hopefully-lost, sadness-anger.. I could be crying with the slower songs or shouting all off my chest with the heavier ones. 

When I think about this album, ‘companion’ comes to my mind. MCIS is always there for me, whenever I want no matter how I’m feeling, and I can listen to it front to back because there is not a single bad song. 

It makes me less alone, comprehended and it’s the light I sometimes need.

Thank you Smashing Pumpkins for creating this masterpiece!! 💫

A stranger travel throught the feelings, love and existence…

Claudia lima, PE

I was born when MCIS was celebrating 8 years and when I discovered this album what impressed me at first sight was the wonderful art, music was a separate topic, I was in another world.  The Smashing Pumpkins for me will continue in my life as a journey of emotions and my heart is in every song I laugh, cry and dream with.  This album is a complete jewel that is part of my life, so many songs that inspire me like In the arms of sleep, thru the eyes of Ruby and Beautiful.  Thanks for everything.

Pumpkins for life

Ivan Imperial beach, California , US

I still remember when I first heard them .. since then I always watched their concerts on YouTube and even their movies .. just wish I could’ve been there to go to a concert for this album tour or to watch the og band play… my dream came true last year when they played the Oh so shiny and Bright tour with all the origins members of the band expect D’arcy :(… that was dope especially when they played songs of this album and pices iscariot … and what makes it even cooler is that this album was released on my birthday :)) (2 years b4 tho) lolol.

I was 8 years old.

Justin Shandorf Shelby Montana, US

I was 8 years old when the album came out. I saved my allowance for several months to be able to purchase the album. When I had enough money to buy it, I couldn’t get to the record store fast enough. Once I got home with it, I put it on. It changed my life forever. It helped shape who I am to this day. I still listen regularly.  

Farewell and Goodnight

Giulio Bruschini Rieti, IT

Although I’m not a long time fan, I was enchanted by a SP concert I attended. It was a horrible year, all was going down: no job, friendships gone, my father in hospital, depression stroke back pretty hard. MCIS helped me to cope with all of that, cheering me up like a friend and like my cat. Thank you from my heart.

Driving Down LSD with MCIS

Brienna Chicago, US

I don’t think there is anything more magical than driving towards the city on Lake Shore Drive, on a crisp Fall night, with “Tonight, Tonight” playing. Looking at the glow of the buildings as Billy sings, “and the embers never fade, in your city by the lake” gives me chills and reminds me that there is always hope and a chance to rebuild bigger and better.

Hindsight 1996

Jennifer Avers Akron, ohio, US

In 1996 I wanted to go to the MCIS Cleveland concert and my fiancée refused go. I bought 2 tickets anyway and found a lonely wanderer outside the venue and gave her the ticket. Him not going should’ve been a sign. I WAS married 19 years and went to 17 SP concerts without him. 

To Forgive

Simon Ogle Decatur Alabama, US

When MCIS was released I was 14.  This CD was so deep and groundbreaking for me even at that age. I could never listen to “To Forgive” in public I would just breakdown. On a different side of the same coin “Tales of a Scorched Earth” would stir a fire inside my soul that would make me fearless. I still have my original case and CDs both a little scratched, but this album means so much to me that I cannot ever see me parting with these precious pieces of my life. Although they have never met me Billy, James, Jimmy and D’arcy knew and spoke to me with their music. Thank you. 

How MCIS got me into the Smashing Pumpkins

Matthew Tommasino San Diego, California , US

When I was a junior in high school I was in a play called “She kills Monsters”. I played the main character’s boyfriend who was into all sorts of 90s pop culture. He had a line where he had just bought the “double disk” , aka MCIS. I at the time had never heard of the Smashing Pumpkins so I went on spotify and looked up the band and listened to a few songs from the album as well as Gish. I Immediately became a fan. MCIS is also the album I give credit to why I started playing guitar! So thank you Pumpkins, for the music and  Inspiring me!