Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New ‘Machines of God’ Setlist Tracks
Fan guesses open after two songs drop from tour list one fan will win two tickets to show.
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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Image: Instagram
Social media lit up again today as The Smashing Pumpkins dropped two more songs from The Machines of God tour setlist on Instagram. The reveal not only expands the live lineup but also kicks off Round 9 of a fan-fueled contest ahead of next weekend’s show dates.
Two Songs Revealed
On Wednesday, the Pumpkins unveiled Round 9 of their ongoing setlist countdown, spotlighting “Blue Skies Bring Tears (Heavy Version/M2)” and “Real Love.” The carousel post features artwork icons marking each song’s era origin, alongside a caption instructing fans to scroll for interview snippets and comment their guesses. This technique has become a signature move for the band’s Instagram campaign.
The Story Behind The Songs
“Blue Skies Bring Tears” first surfaced as an ethereal B-side during the MACHINA era in the early 2000s. In its Heavy Version/M2 form, the track gains punch with distorted guitar riffs and propulsive drums, giving fans a dramatic reinterpretation. “Real Love” hails from the Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness sessions of 1995 but was shelved until now. Both songs provide fresh insight into the band’s creative archive and add depth to the live experience.
How To Join The Giveaway
Entering is simple. On the May 22 Instagram post, comment two song titles you think will be revealed next. Guess at least one correctly and you’ll be entered into a random draw for that round. Each winner receives two non-transferable tickets to their choice of Billy Corgan and The Machines of God dates—tickets must be picked up in person. Winners receive an Instagram Direct Message and have 48 hours to claim seats.
Rollout Timeline
The countdown has unfolded methodically:
Round 7 (May 16) introduced “Pentagrams” and “Porcelina of the Vast Oceans.”
Round 8 (May 19) saw “Glass’ Theme” and “Sighommi” enter the mix.
Round 9 landed on May 22 with today’s reveals.
Round 10 is slated for May 24.
Fans can enter each draw anew, though winners only qualify for one prize.
Spanning Three Eras
This tour setlist spans three key phases of The Smashing Pumpkins’ output. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, released in 1995, showcased Corgan’s ambition with a double album of sweeping anthems and orchestral riffs. The MACHINA albums of 2000 layered synths and heavy guitar to explore introspection and rebellion. Most recently, Aghori Mhori Mei—an unofficial collection circulated through fan communities—offers experimental demos and rare outtakes. By unearthing both studio outtakes and beloved B-sides, Corgan is bridging his golden era with modern reinterpretations.
First Solo Rock Tour
Although presented on The Smashing Pumpkins’ Instagram, these dates mark frontman Billy Corgan’s first dedicated solo rock trek. The carousel posts not only list songs but also include behind-the-scenes images of Corgan at rehearsals, stage mockups, and clips of the visual projections planned for live performances. This format allows Corgan to blend classic Pumpkins material with personal solo compositions in an intimate yet grand setting.
Interview Insights
In slide 3 of the carousel, Corgan shares highlights from a Rolling Stone interview about the tour’s creative direction. He explains that staggered track reveals invite fans to engage in deeper listening, revisiting the catalogue and unearthing hidden gems. The full interview—linked in the band’s bio—dives into how theatrical staging and nostalgic song selections shape the Machines of God experience.
Band Legacy In Motion
Formed in Chicago in 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins rose to fame with a unique blend of alternative rock, heavy guitar, and melodic depth. Landmark hits like “1979” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” from Mellon Collie cemented their place in rock history. Beyond his work with the band, Corgan has released solo albums such as 2017’s Ogilala, published poetry, and produced visual art, evidencing a relentless drive for creativity. The Machines of God tour celebrates this expansive legacy, honoring the past while reimagining it for live audiences.
Fan Buzz And Social Media Impact
Engagement has been off the charts. Instagram comments per post often top 30,000, with fan-run subreddits dissecting era icons and color cues. Popular guesses for upcoming reveals include deep cuts like “The Everlasting Gaze,” “Frail and Bedazzled,” and “X.Y.U.” On Twitter, #MachinesOfGodContest trends as users swap clues and rally friends to stake their predictions.
Looking Ahead
The next reveal arrives May 24. To stay in the running, watch @smashingpumpkins for the fresh post, submit two new guesses in the comments, and keep an eye on Direct Messages for winner notifications. Entry rules reset each round, so even if you missed one, another chance awaits. All contest details are outlined in the Instagram caption’s official rules section.
As Corgan and company prepare to hit the stage, this interactive countdown has transformed the tour launch into a community event. Each song added fuels anticipation for live shows and reconnects fans to the depth and diversity of The Smashing Pumpkins’ catalogue. Keep your playlists ready—one of these tracks could soon echo through the arena.
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