After selling 25 million records with the band Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan is getting his second coming with the band Zwan, proving that longevity is an attribute of the truly great.
With darkened storm clouds hovering over the perimeter of the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, the sun set late on April 9, 2003. A cool ocean breeze came in from the east as the haze of blue stage lights reached twenty rows into the open-air venue.
The opening act, The Children’s Hour, played a short set after being introduced as Billy Corgan’s favorite band. They did all that a female-fronted two-piece semi-acoustic folk rock band could do to warm up a crowd.
When Zwan took the stage, its presence was like a conquering army destined to deliver a sonic rock liberation to its anxiously awaiting fans. Hoisting instruments over their shoulders, the members of Zwan formed a front line of right-handed guitars. Over the cries of young girls and shouts of “Billy” and “Chamberlain,” Zwan charged into the song “Endless Summer” from their recent debut release Mary Star of the Sea.
The pace escalated with every note as Zwan moved to “Ride a Black Swan” and “El Sol” before retreating into a cover of The Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down.” The ironic interchange between the lyrics of “Don’t Let Me Down” and the altering of the show’s tempo seemed lost as the faces of the primarily younger crowd indicated the question, “Have you heard this song before? Me neither.”
Zwan reeled the crowd back in by performing the popular radio single, “Honestly.”
When Zwan started playing the song referred to by Billy Corgan as “Jesus” (listed on the album as “Jesus I/ Mary of the Sea”), it consisted of a simple guitar strum and vocals. The crowd was still. Maybe people were either saving their energy or had never listened all the way through to the thirteenth track of the album.
The song that Zwan showcased was a modern-day version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Two long-form solos by Billy Corgan, a paradiddle build-up by drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, and an all-out jam session by Corgan and guitarists Matt Sweeney/Dave Pajo resulted in a fifteen minute plus rendering of the song.
The final outcome surpassed the recorded version, every other song performed that evening, and most of the songs released in the 1980’s and early 90’s.
After a few more songs and a break, Zwan returned to the stage for an encore.
During “Settle Down,” Corgan got a rise out of the crowd with his casual swagger of the lyrics “’cause I’m good like that.” It is a side of Corgan’s confidence not often pushed to the front of his music or image. The reason for his disposition may be explained by the presence of the guest performer standing backstage.
In a break between songs, Corgan announced that he would like to bring out “his hero” to play a song with the band. Much to everyone’s surprise, the man that took the stage was introduced as Billy Corgan, Sr.
The similarity between the two Billy Corgans was immediately obvious, as both had shaved heads. The two Gibson Flying V guitars enhanced the resemblance.
The band continued into a cover of the Stevie Ray Vaughn classic, “The Sky is Crying.” Corgan, Jr. stood to the side as his father commanded the stage. Dressed in a leather trench coat and playing the blues, Corgan, Sr.’s mannerisms were downright badass, as if he were guitar legend Johnny Winter (minus the hair).
Once Corgan, Sr. ended the song with the phrase “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” one thing became abundantly clear: Guitar mastery and longevity is a Corgan family trait.
