Corgan Revives Siamese-Era Guitar for Machines of God Tour
Restored six-string gem from early ’90s steals spotlight and sparks fan setlist guesswork.
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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In a recent Instagram post, The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan surprised fans by showcasing an iconic instrument from the band’s early days. The caption read, “My resurrected Siamese-era guitar. One I’ll be playing on The Machines of God tour in June.” Across three slides, Corgan holds the weathered six-string in different light, reminding followers why the original Siamese Dream period remains a touchstone for alternative rock.
A Blast From The Past
The term “Siamese-era” nods to 1993’s breakthrough album, Siamese Dream, which cemented The Smashing Pumpkins’ place in music history. Tracks like “Today” and “Cherub Rock” defined a generation and pushed frontman Billy Corgan into international stardom. Now, three decades later, he’s resurrected one of the very guitars that helped shape those landmark recordings.
According to the band’s Wikipedia entry, Siamese Dream was their second studio album and represented a leap forward in songwriting and production. The restored axe offers a tangible link between past and present, illustrating how Corgan continues to draw inspiration from his own legacy.
Guitar Resurrection
The images reveal subtle wear on the body—chips in the paint, a few scratches along the neck—and fresh hardware that suggests a professional overhaul. While Corgan didn’t share technical details, the instrument appears stage-ready, with tightened tuning pegs and a polished fretboard. Fans on social media speculated that the restoration likely involved the band’s longtime guitar tech, ensuring the vintage instrument can withstand the rigors of live performance once again.
Corgan’s decision to bring this relic back into rotation underscores a larger theme for the upcoming concerts: revisiting the band’s narrative through sight and sound. It’s not just a prop; it’s a symbol of continuity, a way to connect the 2024 stage with venues where the band cut its teeth.
Fan Setlist Teasers
Alongside the guitar reveal, The Smashing Pumpkins’ Instagram feed has become a hub for interactive engagement. In one post, the band unveiled “Blue Skies Bring Tears (Heavy Version/M2)” and “Real Love” as the latest tracks from The Machines of God tour setlist. Followers are invited to guess the next two songs in the comments for a chance to win tickets.
The giveaway rules outline that each round, two songs from eras spanning Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Machina/The Machines of God, and Aghori Mhori Mei are revealed. Participants who guess at least one track correctly enter a draw to win a pair of non-transferable show tickets. Winners are contacted privately via Instagram Direct Message and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.
Fans can also swipe to the third slide on that post to read highlights from a recent Billy Corgan interview with Rolling Stone, where he delves into the tour’s concept and revisiting the Machines of God album’s themes.
Tour Background And Expectations
Machina/The Machines of God, released in February 2000, stands as the band’s fifth studio album. It was originally conceived as a rock opera and featured lavish orchestration alongside the group’s signature guitar work. The forthcoming tour, kicking off in June, will tip its hat to that ambitious project while blending fan favorites from across The Smashing Pumpkins’ catalog.
Though specific dates and venues were not detailed in the guitar post, Corgan’s comment that he’ll be “playing” the revived instrument suggests it will appear prominently in at least a few shows. Given the band’s history of revisiting deep cuts and B-sides, attendees should expect surprises beyond the usual greatest hits.
With this blend of restored equipment, interactive setlist reveals, and a nod to one of their most experimental records, The Smashing Pumpkins are building anticipation for a tour that promises both nostalgia and fresh moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan from the Siamese Dream era or a newcomer drawn in by the Machina mythology, the upcoming shows appear set to bridge decades of music history.
Ultimately, Corgan’s resurrected six-string is more than just a prop. It’s a living artifact, ready to deliver those soaring riffs and emotive solos that defined an era—once again, on stages around the world.
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