There’s been a long-standing tension between The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and indie rock stalwarts Pavement. According to The Guardian, this seemingly concilable feud took an unexpected turn toward reconciliation.
When Did the Feud Began?
According to Far Out Magazine, the conflict began in 1994 with Pavement’s song ‘Range Life.’ The song contained lyrics that appeared to mock The Smashing Pumpkins. Corgan took particular offense to these lyrics. He viewed them as stemming from jealousy rather than genuine artistic expression.
The situation got intense when Corgan allegedly had Pavement removed from the Lollapalooza lineup.
Corgan Said Pavement Are ‘Sell-Outs’
The feud found new life in the social media age. News broke about The Smashing Pumpkins sharing a festival bill with Pavement. Corgan took to Twitter in 2010 to talk about the news. “Just found out Smashing Pumpkins are playing with Pavement in Brazil,” he wrote on Twitter. “It’s gonna be one of those New Orleans-type funerals.”
He then continued, writing, “I say that because they represent the death of the alternative dream, and we follow with the affirmation of life part. Funny how those who pointed the big finger of ‘sell out’ are the biggest offenders now. Yawn. they have no love … We’ll be the band up there playing NEW songs because we have the love.”
Corgan then continued to view Pavement’s success through the lens of their earlier criticism of his band.
Current Relationship Between Corgan and Pavement
The narrative shifted dramatically over the years, and it’s announced that Pavement was set to open for Smashing Pumpkins in 2018. Rumors of struggling ticket sales came on the surface. However, Corgan said that the decision to tour together is beyond business considerations. “This is about healing. Healing as a band and a brand, and that needed more than the total reunion,” he explained.
Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus approached the situation with characteristic nonchalance. “It’s not the 90s anymore. This beef was getting dated. Time to move on,” he remarked. He added a touch of humor about the financial benefits: “Also I guess they do have a function: helping me pay for my kids’ private school.”
In 2022, Pavement removed the Smashing Pumpins diss from their track ‘Range Life.’ So, it seems both parties now buried the hatchet.
