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NEED TO KNOW
- Billy Corgan expressed interest in a Smashing Pumpkins residency at Sphere but questioned if the band could draw enough fans
- Corgan praised Sphere’s production challenges and highlighted acts like U2 and the Eagles for their successful residencies
- He suggested more Sphere venues worldwide could expand opportunities for smaller bands to hold residencies in the future
Billy Corgan is interested in the idea of a Smashing Pumpkins residency at Sphere in Las Vegas.
The alt-rock band’s frontman spoke about the prospect of performing at Sphere in a recent interview with Consequence and expressed having “mad respect” for the acts who’ve held residencies at the venue.
“I’m really impressed by anybody who can play the Sphere because it’s a heavy lift. It’s a production thing, and you really have to draw a lot of people,” said Corgan, shouting out other bands like No Doubt, the Eagles and U2 who’ve played at Sphere.
“So number one, I’m not sure sure we’re big enough to draw enough people over time to do it,” admitted the Grammy-winning rock icon. “But if somebody came and said, ‘Yeah, we believe you can do it,’ I think the Pumpkins could put on a show that nobody else would put on, because of the theatrical nature of the records and the presentation.”
Corgan then teased, “And with that level of production, it would be like a goth winter in there, and I think we’re probably the only band that could pull that off at that level.”
He explained that Sphere hasn’t approached Smashing Pumpkins for a residency and spoke about the difficulty of finding success in the 20,000-capacity venue. “I think you have to have a huge fan base that’s willing to follow you, obviously, to Vegas at this point,” said Corgan.
In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. announced plans to build a second sphere in Abu Dhabi. In Corgan’s interview with Consequence, the musician predicted having more Sphere venues around the world could “loosen up” the scope of which artists could hold residencies.
“Right now, you need bands that are big enough to draw multiple, multiple dates to make that whole thing work,” said Corgan. “I’m telling you, mad respect to anybody who’s pulled it off, including Phish.”
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Sphere’s current schedule includes performances from the Backstreet Boys, Carín León, the Eagles and Metallica.
Later this year, Smashing Pumpkins is set to embark on a major tour of North American arenas.