Billy Corgan founded his previous band, The Smashing Pumpkins, in his hometown of Chicago in 1988. The band featured Corgan on guitar, James Iha on guitar, D'Arcy Wretzsky on bass, and Jimmy Chamberlin on drums. The Pumpkins had their greatest commercial success in the mid nineties with the multi-platinum double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Following the release of MACHINA/ the machines of God in 2000, the band began a final tour, playing their last show in Chicago in December 2000. Since the Pumpkins' split, Corgan has collaborated with the group New Order, lending vocals to a song ("Turn My Way") and joining them on tour. The Pumpkins also released a greatest hits cd and video collection in 2001.

William Patrick Corgan
born: 3/17/67 in Elk Grove, Chicago, IL
Currently Resides in Chicago, IL
Gratuated from Glenbard North High School
Guitars: Gibson ES 335 (for BWBW), Gibson Hummingbird, Rigole TTO, Fender Stratocaster
Musical influences: Black Sabbath, Bauhaus, Pink Floyd, David Bowie
Favorite musicians: My Bloody Valentine, Chainsaw Kittens, Skunk, Mercury Rev, Thin Lizzy, The Frogs
Favorite albums: Beatles - "Rubber Soul", Black Sabbath - "Master of Reality"
Favorite singles: The Sweet - "Action", Gene Clark - "So You Say You've Lost Your Baby", Santo & Johnny "Sleepwalk"
Favorite songwriters: David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Phil Lynott