This year marks significant anniversaries for some of rock music's most beloved bands, celebrating their rich history and impactful contributions to the genre. Among these, Smashing Pumpkins is gearing up for the reissue of their seminal 1993 album, Siamese Dream, which continues to resonate with fans nearly three decades later.
The Chicago-based band announced the vinyl reissue set for release this April, featuring 180-gram black vinyl and the original 1993 packaging. The album, which received considerable acclaim upon its debut, catapulted the band to mainstream fame following their debut, Gish, released two years earlier. Frontman Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D’arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin faced immense pressure to produce something groundbreaking during the shifting tides of the post-Nirvana alt-rock world.
Reflecting on the era, Corgan recalled, “I felt intense pressure to make the next album to set the world on fire.” Siamese Dream was produced by the band's members and Garbage's Butch Vig, known for his layered production style. Remarkably, the album includes up to 32 guitar tracks on certain songs, embodying the band's signature sound.
Despite personal and professional struggles during its production—including Chamberlain's battles with heroin addiction and Corgan's own suicidal depression—Siamese Dream was completed after numerous grueling sessions. Corgan admitted he played almost all the instruments, working alongside Vig well beyond 16-hour days at times to achieve their desired sound, stating, “We disappeared to write the songs.” Upon its release, the album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 100 and has since been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, solidifying its status as one of the best alt-rock records of its time.
Alongside this celebration of Siamese Dream, another iconic band, The Who, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the legendary British rock band is launching a series of collectible posters and t-shirts every other month, with the first series paying tribute to one of their earliest singles, “I Can’t Explain.” Designed by Robin Gnista, this graphic captures The Who's essence during the mid-1960s.
Fans of The Who can expect future designs honoring pivotal moments from their career, including their explosive 1967 performance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and their acclaimed double album, Tommy, released in 1969. Acknowledging their performance at Leeds University and the 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia are also part of this celebratory series.
Last year, the band saw the reissue of the 1976 compilation album, The Story of the Who, originally launched by Polydor and featuring hits from the band's early catalog. This compilation reached impressive chart positions, peaking at No. 2 on the UK album charts.
Adding to the excitement, this year will also witness the world premiere of Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet, based on their popular 1973 album. Written by Pete Townshend, the production will tour various venues, including Plymouth Theatre Royal and Edinburgh Festival Theatre, before officially opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London from June 24 to July 13, with performances continuing to The Lowry in Salford scheduled for 2025.
On the solo front, Roger Daltrey, The Who's lead vocalist, will take to the road for acoustic performances of classics alongside his solo hits. This special tour, set for late April and May, aims to showcase the timelessness of The Who's music, promising fans both nostalgia and new interpretations of beloved tracks.
Both The Who and Smashing Pumpkins exemplify the celebration of rock history, demonstrating how their legacies continue to thrive through reissues, performances, and commemorative merchandise. With each passing year, they not only honor their past but also inspire new generations of music lovers.