Smashing Pumpkins Bring Out The Brady Bunch’s Barry Williams and Melissa Auf der Maur at Lollapalooza Pre-Show

The Smashing Pumpkins delivered an extraordinary experience during their Lollapalooza pre-show at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre, blending nostalgia and rock heritage in an unexpected manner. The event, held on a Wednesday night, saw the band reach deep into their musical vault and invite remarkable guests to the stage, creating a unique fusion of pop culture and alternative rock.

Among the most surprising moments was the appearance of Barry Williams, famously known as Greg Brady from the iconic television series The Brady Bunch. His presence was notably distinct given the contrast between the wholesome, family-friendly persona he embodies and the Pumpkins’ darker, more intense visual and musical style. Williams joined the band for a rendition of "It’s a Sunshine Day," a song originally performed by the Brady kids on their show, transforming the performance into a surreal yet charming interlude within the band’s broader, more intense set.

The collaboration between Williams and frontman Billy Corgan was not without precedent; earlier in the year, Williams had been a guest on Corgan’s podcast, where they explored Williams’ television career and shared perspectives on The Brady Bunch’s cultural legacy. This prior interaction set the stage for their live musical collaboration, bridging distinct entertainment worlds.

The evening also marked a significant reunion with former Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur. She joined the band for the closing number, "The Everlasting Gaze," a song they had last performed together at the band’s 2000 farewell show until a recent reunion performance in Montreal just over a year ago. Auf der Maur’s return was notable not only for its rarity but also because she has been preparing new material, including a forthcoming collection of unreleased 1990s demos titled BASS WOMB ROOM, slated for release in early September.

Demonstrating a willingness to explore their extensive catalog, the Pumpkins incorporated deep cuts that had not been played live in several years. The setlist included "Thirty-Three," returning to the stage for the first time since 2018, and "Dorian," which had not featured in live performances since 2015. The band also debuted live a track from their recent 2024 album, Aghori Mhori Mei, called "War Dreams of Itself," signaling their ongoing creative evolution.

The extensive 24-song set highlighted the band’s versatility and connection to their roots while embracing new artistic directions. Alongside the guest appearances and rare songs, the band delivered fan favorites such as "1979," "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," and "Tonight, Tonight," rounding out a comprehensive celebration of their career.

This pre-show was a precursor to the band’s much-anticipated return to Lollapalooza proper, marking their first performance at the Chicago festival in over three decades. That main set, scheduled for Friday night at Grant Park, will be accessible to a wider audience through a livestream hosted by Hulu and Disney+, expanding the reach of this historic event.

Looking ahead, the Smashing Pumpkins announced "The Rats in a Cage Tour," which will commence in late September in honor of the 30th anniversary of their seminal album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. This tour is poised to offer fans further opportunities to experience the band’s enduring impact and evolving sound live.

The Riviera Theatre pre-show’s blend of unexpected guest stars and deep catalog explorations demonstrated the Smashing Pumpkins’ enduring appeal and willingness to innovate within their live performances. The inclusion of Barry Williams and Melissa Auf der Maur underscored the band’s connection to diverse facets of entertainment and their own history, crafting a memorable event for Chicago audiences and fans worldwide.