The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins Live Performance of Whir at Ace Theater, Los Angeles
In March 2016, when The Smashing Pumpkins lit up The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, they were well into a new chapter of their career. This performance came after the release of their 2014 album, *Monument to an Elegy*, which marked a return to the band’s rock roots and showed a refreshing collaboration with producer Howard Benson. What’s truly fascinating about this live recording is that it features the iconic lineup of Billy Corgan, alongside original members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, who reunited after years apart. This concert vibrated with the energy of nostalgia as fans were treated to a blend of classics and newer material. Corgan, ever the enigmatic frontman, brought his usual intensity, while Iha’s return added a layer of depth to the performance, showcasing the chemistry that first captivated audiences in the ’90s. It was a moment that celebrated both the band's storied past and its evolving present.