The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins perform Zero live at St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit
In April 1999, during the Arising Tour, The Smashing Pumpkins were in the midst of a transformative phase as a band. Just a few months prior, they had released "Adore," an album that marked a significant shift in their sound, venturing into more electronic and introspective territory compared to their earlier, grunge-inflected works. This performance of "Zero" at Saint Andrew's Hall in Detroit comes amid a time of intense scrutiny, as fans and critics debated their evolving style. Interestingly, "Zero" is one of the standout tracks from their 1995 album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," which had solidified their status as alternative rock titans. This live rendition not only highlights the band's signature blend of heavy instrumentation and emotional lyrics, but it also reveals the raw energy that they carried with them during this pivotal moment in their career—one where they grappled with their identity while still delivering powerhouse performances.