Nostalgia trip? Not a bit of it...

Let's face it: if you’re an US indie or rock fan of a certain vintage, double-bills don’t come much more mouthwatering than this. 

And although there are some who may dismiss a Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer co-headliner as a mere nostalgia trip, last night’s 3Arena gig proves that experience counts for a hell of a lot.

Earlier in the day, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan had posted a picture of himself on social media with the famous statue of Phil Lynott off Grafton Street, but it was another Irish band he paid homage to by covering U2’s ‘Zoo Station’ - a random choice, if ever there was one.

Before the Chicago band took to the stage, however, the sold out crowd were amply warmed up with a blistering set by Weezer. Their detractors may have a point when they mention Rivers Cuomo’s diminishing returns over the years - they will never make a better run of albums than Blue, Pinkerton and Green - but when it comes to their live performances, they are wise enough to give the crowd what they want. Just two songs of their 20-strong setlist dates from pre-2005 material. Much of it is drawn from that aforementioned Blue album, which celebrates thirty years this year and Say It Ain’t So elicits the first big singalong of the night. Later, Hash Pipe still packs a mighty punch, while Island In the Sun and Beverly Hills are huge crowd-pleasers and a cover of Hole’s Celebrity Skin, which they note was written by Billy Corgan, is frivolous and fun. They tour The Blue Album in the US later this year - but based on tonight’s reception, they’d find a welcoming crowd for a return Irish date, too. 

It’s soon time for Smashing Pumpkins, appearing for the first time at the 3Arena (although not in Ireland) since the terrible events of 1996, when 17-year-old fan Bernadette O’Brien was tragically crushed at their gig at the then-Point Theatre. They waste no time in rushing into the meaty rock they made their name with over three decades ago, opening with The Everlasting Gaze and rarely letting up the pace. This was a proper rock show - aided and abetted by a seriously impressive lighting set-up - and not just a band going through the motions. 

Corgan stalks the stage in his trademark priest’s cassock during Ava Adore; bolstered by the witch-like backing singer and instrumentalist Katie Cole clad in black, this is rock theatre at its finest, with plenty of posing and posturing for the crowd. New guitarist Kiki Wong, meanwhile - apparently selected from 10,000 applicants - slots right into the band on only her third gig.

The hits come thick and fast, from 1979 to Bullet with Butterfly Wings to Today and Zero; Tonight Tonight is incredible, as is Disarm. It seems like only yesterday we were hearing these songs for the first time, but we’re constantly reminded of the passage of time throughout their set, as Corgan’s kids come out on stage twice to dance with their father, while drummer Jimmy Chamberlin celebrates his 60th (!) birthday with cake and a rousing sing-song. It’s a reminder that Smashing Pumpkins are getting on, as we all are - but also that a good rock song is truly timeless. Tonight has proven that both they and Weezer have more than a few of those to secure their legacy. 

Words: Sean Smith