Billy Corgan and Melissa Auf der Maur have a relationship that spans decades, and it all started with a $1 Tuesday night show – July 23, 1991 – at a dingy venue in Montréal.
It was precisely that night that their friendship and collaborative connection took flight, snatching Auf der Maur away from her DIY band in Canada to international stages with Courtney Love’s Hole and, later, Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins.
Looking back on the time she first met Corgan during one his early gigs, Auf der Maur says on The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan podcast, “You were playing for $1 on a Tuesday. I was a ticket girl at that venue [Les Foufounes Électriques in Montréal], and got in for free.
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“There was a Sub Pop logo on the flyer. No one had heard of your band. You had that 12-inch, and it was my night off, but I said to my roommates, ‘Some Sub Pop band is playing. Let’s go see them.’ I was one of 20 people.”
Corgan, from his end, explains how that show in Montréal would not only lead to his encounter with Auf der Maur, but teach him a lesson in stagecraft – and dealing with hecklers.
“I was playing this solo in one of our songs, so I was intently looking at my guitar, and as I was playing, a beer bottle smashed against my guitar,” he recalls.
Melissa Auf der Maur | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan – YouTube
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“I don’t think it broke, but the beer kind of splattered, and I immediately kind of whirled up to see who threw the bottle. There’s only 20 people out there – and usually when that happens, people aren’t in a big hurry to let you know who threw the bottle.
“But for whatever reason, when I gave the death glare, the people around your roommate – Bruce – seemed to kind of almost say, ‘Not me.’”
He continues, “And as soon as I saw the body language of people going away from Bruce, I threw my guitar off mid-strum, dove into the crowd, and began strangling him to the ground.” Corgan vividly remembers the “look of terror” in Bruce’s eyes, because, despite heckling him, Auf der Maur’s roommate didn’t “seem to want to fight.”
The ordeal aside, the band continued playing because of a rule imposed by Corgan, even in those early days.
“We also had a rule, which you might remember, in the band, which is, no matter what happens, keep playing. So even though I’m in the crowd choking Bruce to the ground, I got back on stage, picked up a guitar, and finished the song.”
As for Auf der Maur, that was the moment that changed everything, as she explains: “That is when you captured my heart. With every song, [it’s] as if I’ve never heard music. It was so much more realized and magnificent than a lot of the other bands.”
However, Bruce wasn’t so impressed. “Halfway through the show, Bruce, who’s watching next to me, was like, ‘What the **** is wrong with these guys?’ I looked, [and] I’m like, ‘What?’ He’s like, ‘They’re so full [of ****]. They’re not playing an arena, they’re playing a punk club. Why are they acting like this?’”
Auf der Maur recalls that, right after Corgan pinned Bruce to the ground and promptly went back on stage, he played one song that remains one of her favorites.
“You said, ‘Montréal, we have one more for you.’ And you played, I Am One [the band’s debut single], and it changed every cell in my body.’”
Auf der Maur’s first band, Tinker, would eventually open for the Smashing Pumpkins at a show in 1993 – after which Corgan famously said, “One day, maybe you’ll play in my band.”
In an upcoming interview with Bass Player, Auf der Maur also reveals the key lesson she learned from touring with the Pumpkins.
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“I Threw My Guitar Off Mid Strum, Dove Into the Crowd and Began Strangling Him to the Ground”: Billy corgan on Meeting Melissa Auf der Maur
The Electrifying First Encounter of Billy Corgan and Melissa Auf der Maur
In the lore of option rock, remarkable stories abound, but few compare to the explosive manner in which billy Corgan, lead vocalist and guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins, first met Melissa Auf der Maur, the future powerhouse bassist for the band. Corgan famously described the moment as:
“I threw my guitar off mid strum, dove into the crowd and began strangling him to the ground.”
This dramatic, chaotic encounter captured the intensity and raw energy that defined the mid-90s alternative scene and eventually set the stage for one of the most iconic collaborations in rock history.
Context Behind The First Meeting
Billy Corgan,known for his passionate performances and complex personality,was immersed in defining the sound of The smashing Pumpkins during the early 1990s. Meanwhile, melissa Auf der Maur was carving out her reputation in the rock scene, eventually stepping into The Smashing Pumpkins’ lineup in 1999 after the departure of their original bassist.
Though details about the specific event when this dramatic meet-up happened are often shared through interviews and anecdotes, it symbolizes the kind of unpredictable habitat artists operated in at the time-volatile, intense, but ultimately creatively fruitful.
Why This Moment Mattered
- Showcases Band Chemistry: The story highlights the raw, physical connection not just between bandmates, but between artists in the alternative rock crowd.
- Symbolizes Passion: Corgan’s leap into the crowd illustrates his fiery commitment to music and performance.
- Foreshadows Collaboration: This energetic first meeting foreshadowed Melissa’s vital role in the band’s evolution.
Melissa Auf der Maur Joins The Smashing Pumpkins: A New Chapter
Melissa Auf der Maur officially joined The Smashing Pumpkins in 1999, following the departure of original bassist D’arcy Wretzky.Her arrival marked an vital transition.Corgan’s recollections of that first encounter have as been retold to reflect the potent dynamic Melissa brought to the group on stage and off.
Melissa’s Impact on The Smashing Pumpkins
- Musical Style & Performance: melissa’s unique bass lines enriched the band’s sound, adding depth and intensity.
- Stage Presence: Her energetic performances complemented Corgan’s intense charisma.
- Band Stability: Helped stabilize the band lineup during a turbulent period.
First-Hand Experiences & Anecdotes From Bandmates
Billy Corgan’s colorful description of their first physical interaction paints a vivid picture of the chemistry and intensity between these two musicians. Other band members and close associates frequently enough mention Melissa’s fierce dedication and Corgan’s enigmatic personality, creating the perfect tension for iconic music-making.
| Person | Role | Interesting Quote |
|---|---|---|
| billy corgan | Lead Vocalist / Guitarist | “I threw my guitar off mid strum, dove into the crowd and began strangling him to the ground.” |
| Melissa Auf der Maur | Bassist | “Joining the Pumpkins was a wild ride full of passion and unpredictability.” |
| Jimmy Chamberlin | Drummer | “Melissa’s arrival gave us new energy and a fresh outlook.” |
Benefits & practical Tips for Musicians Inspired by Corgan and Auf der Maur
The explosive nature of their first meeting is a metaphor for embracing unpredictability and passion in one’s musical journey.Musicians looking to build dynamic band chemistry and stage presence can learn from their example:
- Channel Raw Energy: Don’t be afraid to let your emotions show in performance – it creates authentic connection.
- Embrace Unconventional Moments: Unexpected situations can spark strong creative bonds.
- build Trust Through Physicality: Physical interaction, when done appropriately, builds camaraderie and trust in live performance.
- Stay Open to New Collaborations: Sometimes the best chemistry comes from the most surprising introductions.
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These keywords help readers interested in alternative rock history, iconic band moments, and Billy Corgan’s colorful career find this engaging story easily.
more On The Impact of Early moments Like These
The intense energy surrounding that dramatic first encounter translated into The Smashing Pumpkins’ powerful albums and electrifying live shows. Moments such as this remind fans and musicians alike how spontaneity and passion underpin great music.
As Billy Corgan’s own words vividly capture, sometimes meeting the right person in the heat of the moment leads to unforgettable rock history.
