Smashing Pumpkins Keep Things Rocking in Charlotte
PNC Music Pavilion; Aug. 22, 2023
It’s hard to believe that Smashing Pumpkins have been at it for 35 years. Sure, there have been lineup changes aplenty throughout that time, but Billy Corgan & Company have always known how to rip through some solid rock songs.
The Pumpkins were in town for the first time since 2019 on Tuesday, and took to the stage at PNC Music Pavilion for a 21-track set — but not before Corgan took the opportunity to visit Repo Record in east Charlotte, as shown in this pic posted by CLTure.
Even when the band play a cover of Talking Heads’ “Once In a Lifetime,” they put their own Pumpkin spin on it, conveying a darker tone with a thunderous bass line driving the song forward.
With 12 studio albums to their name, there are sure to be hits and favorites left off the setlist. A handful of expected tunes were still included, including “Tonight, Tonight,” “Ava Adore,” “Disarm,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “1979,” “Cherub Rock,” and “Zero.”
The night got started with a fantastic set from rock group Rival Sons, followed by a more atmospheric post-punk performance from Interpol.
Smashing Pumpkins setlist
The Everlasting Gaze
Doomsday Clock
Once in a Lifetime
Today
Perfect
Disarm
The Celestials
Purple Blood
Ava Adore
Tonight, Tonight
Bullet With Butterfly Wings
This Time
Spellbinding
Hubble Bubble (Toil and Trouble)
Jellybelly
Empires
Hummer
Beguiled
1979
Cherub Rock
Zero
Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.
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