The Smashing Pumpkins

During the recording of "Blew Away" live at the Universal Amphitheatre on May 23, 2000, The Smashing Pumpkins were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed album, “Machina/The Machines of God,” which had been released just a couple of months earlier in February 2000. This album marked an intriguing period for the band, as it was seen as both a continuation of their epic sound and a notable shift toward a more conceptual approach, blending elements of rock, electronic, and orchestration. The performance captures a poignant moment, as it was toward the tail end of the band's original lineup era. Notably, the song "Blew Away," written by guitarist James Iha, showcases the softer, introspective side of the band, adding depth to their heavy alt-rock reputation. This concert also serves as a reminder of the band's ability to meld emotional resonance with engaging performance, a hallmark that makes their live shows so memorable.

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