Billy Corgan, the iconic frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, recently opened up about his deep appreciation for metal music and the significant role it has played in his life. In a candid conversation on The Allison Hagendorf Show, Corgan shared his thoughts on the genre’s impact and revealed the personal connection he has to a particular Metallica song that helped him through a dark period.
Metal: A Genre Beyond Snobbery
Corgan, known for his boundary-pushing approach to alternative rock, expressed frustration with the elitism often present in music circles. “I don’t give a f–k what anybody thinks about music, because most music thought is based on snobbery,” he said, underscoring his disdain for the dismissive attitudes some critics hold toward metal.
For Corgan, metal is far more than just noise—it’s a genre that taps into raw emotions and unites fans from different walks of life. He reflected on the many legendary metal concerts he has attended, including Iron Maiden’s first tour with Bruce Dickinson, Metallica during their Ride the Lightning tour, and Judas Priest’s Screaming for Vengeance tour in 1982.
The Song That Saved His Life
One of the most poignant moments in Corgan’s interview was his recollection of how Metallica’s “Fade to Black” became a lifeline during a personal crisis. The song, from Metallica’s Ride the Lightning album, was released at a time when Corgan was dealing with the loss of his grandmother, who was dying of cancer.
“I told Lars [Ulrich] this when I was on his show,” Corgan recalled. “‘Fade to Black’ by Metallica came out when my grandmother was dying of cancer. That song saved my life.”
The emotional connection between the song and his grief highlights the power of music to provide solace during hardship. Corgan believes this kind of deep, visceral connection is what makes metal such a vital and misunderstood art form. “When you’ve had those moments with rock, there’s a loyalty between band and fan,” he explained, a sentiment that resonates with many metal fans who turn to the genre for comfort and catharsis.
Metal’s Enduring Legacy
In Corgan’s eyes, metal bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Rush don’t need approval from critics to validate their importance. Their music speaks directly to those who grew up in worlds where metal’s raw, unpolished energy resonated deeply. “It’s not supposed to be pretty,” Corgan emphasized, reinforcing the genre’s authenticity and its appeal to fans who embrace its emotional depth and power.
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