The Smashing Pumpkins

On May 28, 1998, when The Smashing Pumpkins performed "Tear" at the Chapiteau in Belgium, they were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed double album *Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness*, which had been released in 1995. This album catapulted the band into the stratosphere of alternative rock, featuring hit singles that defined a generation. By the time of this live recording, the band's sound was evolving, blending their signature heavy guitar riffs with more introspective and softer melodies, like "Tear," which beautifully captures that emotional complexity. The late '90s were a transformative phase for the Pumpkins, marked by both musical experimentation and internal turmoil among band members. Interestingly, this performance was part of the *Adore* era, as their follow-up album was set to release in 1998, showcasing a shift in tone from their earlier work to a more subdued and reflective style. It's fascinating to consider how live recordings like this one encapsulate the raw energy and emotional intensity of that transitional period.

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