The latest edition of On the Radar is here to catch you up on the biggest music news you may have missed. See what’s on our radar from last week.
Smashing Pumpkins Reunion Stirs Up Major Drama
For the past month, Billy Corgan has been teasing a Smashing Pumpkins reunion. Rumors of the reformation grew tenfold when a photo session showing Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin leaked online. But before the band could confirm the announcement, Corgan stirred up drama with former bassist D’arcy Wretzky. Wretzky previously revealed she wouldn’t be part of the reunion. After Corgan seemingly took a shot at her on Instagram, she spoke about a series of text messages where he assures her she’ll be part of the reunion only to rescind the offer later.
Afterward, the band’s spokesperson disputed Wreztky’s side of the story saying she deferred an offer to play with the band. Wreztky then escalated the matter and shared screenshots of her texts with Corgan. On Facebook, she wrote that the messages “were posted as proof to the many people who said that I was lying about ever being offered the job. (In face, Billy is saying that now as well).” Looking at the messages, it looks like Corgan did indeed change his mind about the offer. Read all the messages here. A day later, Wretzky added more fuel to the fire during an interview with Alternative Nation where she calls Corgan “insufferable” and wonders if he “has a brain tumor.” Read the whole thing here.
And speaking of Smashing Pumpkins…
The Smashing Pumpkins officially announce reunion tour
We knew this was coming, but the band officially announced their reunion tour last week. And sadly, Wretzky won’t be a part of it. Dubbed the Shiny and Oh So Bright tour, the trek reunites Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. Taking over bass duties is Jack Bates, son of New Order’s Peter Hook. Shows kick off July 12 in Glendale, AZ and wrap up September 7 in Boise, ID. The band plays Chicago’s United Center August 13. Tickets go on sale February 23.
Watch the announcement video above and check out all the announced tour dates here. Something tells us things regarding the reunion, Wretzky, and Corgan are just starting to get ugly.
Eminem drops painful video for ‘River’ featuring Ed Sheeran
Eminem celebrated Valentine’s Day with a not-so-romantic clip for “River” featuring Ed Sheeran. Directed by Emil Nava, the documentary style video opens with an off screen director interviewing the rapper. His fictional girlfriend and her ex-husband are also being interviewed about their vicious love triangle. From there we see the relationship’s highs and its volatile low involving an argument over an unplanned pregnancy. Check out the video above.
The rapper promoted the video with #UNHAPPYVDAY. Last week, footage of Eminem kissing a random woman surfaced online. Before fans could speculate too much, it was revealed to be marketing for the upcoming video. “River” is the second single from Eminem’s latest Revival.
Upcoming Shows
Jeezy hits up the House of Blues on his The Cold Summer tour with MattxMateo February 21. Grab tickets here.
Polica swing by Thalia Hall with Stargaze and Divide and Dissolve February 22. Make sure to grab tickets here.
Catch Noel Gallagher at the Chicago Theater February 24. You still have a chance to get tickets here.
A Day to Remember plays UIC Pavilion with Papa Roach, Falling Reverse, and The Devil Wears Prada February 24. You don’t want to miss this so make sure you have tickets.
Chicago Artist Spotlight: Good at Bad
Eclectic music outfit Good at Bad is the new ensemble conceived and front by Chicago’s own Nika Nemirovsky. She’s been writing and recording her own music for a while and even released her debut EP, Honest Dancing, last year. Wanting to work with other local musicians, Nemirovksy decided to form a new ensemble. Not one to be pinned down, the group is a mashup of different genres like soul, indie, and even pop. Last year, the group released their debut single “Can’t See It Anymore” last year and are currently working on their album and a summer tour.
Make sure to check out Good at Bad’s SoundCloud for more music. Good at Bad have several shows coming up including a DIY show with Adam Ness on February 24, Sofar Sounds March 24 and California Clipper on March 28. See all their announced shows here.