Review
Rattaya Nimibutr
Staff Writer
Sunday night's sold-out concert at Aerial Theater at Bayou Place had everyone in line holding onto their tickets tightly. It was the show that was not to be missed, and the alarmingly young crowd was ready to rock and roll.
And everyone else who had the misfortune of staying home? Well, let's just say they are probably going to start bawling just about now.The Smashing Pumpkins, currently basking in the success of the just-released album Adore, made a stop in Houston during a 14-city tour and left an impression only a few bands could match. Not only did their performance consist of pure, unfettered rock music, but every penny earned from ticket sales, which totaled over $115,000, went to Houston's Children's Charity.
The Pumpkins know how to blend metallic riffs brilliantly with a pleasant and mystical elegance, just enough to let everyone feel what real guitar playing is all about.
Thankfully, seats were installed for this show. There was no annoying mosh pit or sweaty odor here, thank you. The Smashing Pumpkins played in front of a crowd that watched intently as the band's loud, yet pleasant sounds swallowed the theater whole. Smartly, the focus was finally put on the band instead of a gaggle of dorky teenage guys running into each other.
Frontman Billy Corgan stood center stage with his guitar, looking like a body double of Jack Skellington, the star puppet of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Coupled with band members D'Arcy and James Iha, the trio, whose latest single is the sweltering "Ava Adore," carefully ripped through the image of what rock musicians should sound like. As if a near-perfect performance weren't enough, the band's generosity in regard to charity reassured everyone that these guys are no joke. They like what they do, and they're good at it.
If you weren't there, you missed one hell of a show. And if you're still cringing from the horrible fact that you missed the Pumpkins' show, radio station 107.5 FM, The Buzz, will be airing the whole thing at 9 p.m. Friday.