Billy Corgan and his new band might make a smashing appearance at a Northwestern-affiliated concert in Chicago this spring, according to official Web sites.
The Reprise Records Web site and the band’s Italian Web site list Zwan, a band that includes former members of Smashing Pumpkins, as scheduled to perform on April 2 with Queens of the Stone Age at an NU event in Chicago. The date and location correspond roughly with A&O Productions’ upcoming A&O Ball, which is tentatively scheduled for the 2,400-seat Riviera Theater.
A&O leaders would not confirm that the bands would perform at the A&O Ball, which last year featured Wilco and Elliott Smith.
“I can’t comment on that,” said Jonathan Berman, A&O president and a Weinberg senior. “I would be able to if we were further along in the process.”
Corgan, the lead singer and guitarist, formed Zwan after the Smashing Pumpkins disbanded in fall 2000. The group also includes Matt Sweeney, David Pajo, Paz Lenchantin and former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.
The hard-rock band Queens of the Stone Age received a Grammy nomination this year for its song “No One Knows.”
Students may not recognize Zwan, but those who do might associate the band with the Pumpkins.
“They’re pretty good,” said Danielle Carlson, a Medill freshman. “It’s like Corgan didn’t want his band to end, he just gave it a dumber name.”
After sparse programming last year, A&O has rebounded with an all-star line up this year. The group has hosted Jurassic 5, Ben Folds, Janeane Garofalo and earlier this week, Salman Rushdie.
Though many students were unfamiliar with the bands, they agreed A&O is improving.
“There really weren’t any big shows last year I don’t think,” said Adam Boscoe, Weinberg sophomore. “They’ve been doing a great job (this year). Ben Folds and Jurassic 5 were both bands a lot of people enjoy. I’d like to see more variety though.”
Student Activities Finance Board granted A&O $282,000 last year but after a string of disappointment was only given $165,000 for this year’s programming. Berman attributed the failings to bad luck in scheduling.
After a more successful year, the group plans to ask for more money next year.
“It’s unfortunate when the primary obstacle for us doing a show is money,” said Brian Bockrath, A&O Concert Committee member and a McCormick sophomore.
Though Zwan remains unconfirmed, both Berman and Bockrath said plans for A&O Ball are on track.
“We’ve had a spectacular year,” Bockrath said. “Ball will be no less spectacular.”
