The Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer Concert

The 90s juggernaut alternative rock The Smashing Pumpkins hits the stage at London’s O2 at a sold out concert with geek band Weezer.

One of Kenz’ favourite bands growing up in suburban California is The Smashing Pumpkins. In fact, his small town high school experience was straight out of the hit song “1979” music video.  Yes they had house parties. Of course, they did donuts in an empty parking lot. Absolutely, they did many pranks and antics. All part of the American teenage experience. 

When The Smashing Pumpkins announced their The World is a Vampire European Summer Tour, it was a no brainer. We had to go! So I got Kenz tickets as a birthday gift. The bad news is he had to wait almost until his half-birthday to see this 1990s juggernaut alternative rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins. 

Kolae, Southern Thai Food at Borough Market

Another couple friend, who snagged last minute concert tickets, joined us for a fun kid-free evening. Mamacita A kindly hosted Lady Yeya for a mega sleepover, whilst our friend’s kids were at their grandma’s house. Indeed, it was parents night out!

We had an amazing dinner at Kolae, a newcomer at the ultimate foodie haven Borough Market. Specialising in southern Thai food, we sampled the whole menu from tasty biryani rice crackers to chicken bamboo skewers, fish curry, soy-braised pork belly, and deep fried mullet. Everything was delicious with each dish ranging in a different mix of Thai spices. We enjoyed the meal and company so much that we nearly missed Weezer’s opening act altogether. With our bellies full and happy, we ventured over to the O2 in North Greenwich. 

The Ultimate 90s Nostalgia

The sold-out show was packed with an audience between 35 and 55, all who grew up listening to alternative rock bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Oasis. In its signature “geek” attire and square glasses, Weezer played an energetic 20-song set consisting of all the fan favourites. It kicked off its set with “My Name is Jonas”, “Beverly Hills”, ”Undone”, and “Island in the Sun.” Towards the end, it was all about “Say It Ain’t So” and ending with a big singalong “Buddy Holly.” Some ten years since we last saw Weezer play at the Brixton O2, Weezer is still rocking out its best. 

The Smashing Pumpkins Smashed It – 30 years On! 

After its mainstream breakout album Siamese Dream (1993) featuring popular hits “Today”, “Disarm” and “Mayonaise,” The Smashing Pumpkins went on to release its best album to date Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). With its celestial-themed and a woman on a star art cover, Mellon Collie is my favourite album, featuring its best hits “Tonight, Tonight,” “Thirty-Three”, and “1979”. A wave of nostalgia overwhelmed us, listening to The Smashing Pumpkins live in concert as we reminisce on our teenage years. 

Billy Corgan, clad in his gothic cloak, was flanked by long-term bandmates James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, and new recruit on the guitar Kiki Wong, rocked out for a nostalgic two-hour career-spanning set. Majority of songs were from Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream, and promoting its latest “rock opera” Atum (2022-2023). 

“Tonight, Tonight” was indeed a great night, bringing us back memories of our carefree and “Zero” stress days like the video of “1979” in suburbia California. From “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” to “Cherub Rock” and “Disarm”, we went to bed feeling happy as if “Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known.” It was a smashing concert!

Happy Birthday (Gift) to my Number One who I “Ava Adore”. 
With Love from “Lily (My One and Only)”

Smashing Pumpkins Set List

O2 London, 8 June 2024

1. The Everlasting Gaze
2. Doomsday Clock
3. Zoo Station (U2 cover)
4. Today
5. Thru the Eyes of Ruby
6. Spellbinding
7. Tonight, Tonight
8. That Which Animates the Spirit
9. Ava Adore
10. Disarm
11. Springtimes
12. Mayonaise
13. Bullet With Butterfly Wings
14. Empires
15. Beguiled
16. 1979
17. Birch Grove
18. Panopticon
19. Shame(Snippet)
20. Jellybelly
21. Rhinoceros
22. Gossamer
23. Cherub Rock
24. Zero