Even though the album was released in October of 1995, it didn’t really hit me across the face until April of 1996. With “1979”, “Tonight, Tonight” and “Zero” on the radio I finally had enough influence to beg my mother to buy me the album. At this time I just turned 8 years old. I was a fan of “Today” and “Cheurb Rock” from the previous album but I never owned it. I had been influenced by my mom’s bands/artists from the 60s and 70s during my infancy. I knew the Beatles, The Stones and Eagles front to back it seemed. However, in 1996 after watching my older cousins adore Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, etc. Mellon Collie arrived at the perfect time in my growing up. It felt like mine. I felt that I was on a wave with the promotion of music videos, live performances and everything Smashing Pumpkins. 

Years later, after music school and working in this industry for 12 years, you are still one of my favorite artists/bands of all time. You (Billy) influenced me beyond measure. There’s so much music that has come through the years and still nothing compares to the imagination, passion and influence Mellon Collie has had on my life.