Billy Corgan talks about going solo

AP: When the Smashing Pumpkins broke up, instead of doing a solo album, you formed Zwan, which was short-lived. Why not do the solo album then?

Corgan: I wanted to do a solo album and actually started one, and then the Zwan thing kind of came together, and it was like a fun thing. It was sort of like a welcome relief after the Pumpkins ... I never didn’t want to be in a band. I didn’t want to leave the Pumpkins. It wasn’t my choice, I always thought of being a solo artist in the context of being in the band. Like, you’re in a band and you do a solo record. I never thought that I would have to leave my band to go solo.

AP: Do you ever wish the Smashing Pumpkins could reunite?

Corgan: You can’t recreate what was.

AP: A lot of bands try, though.

Corgan: That’s because they try and go back to what was. I showed it already. I didn’t think the Smashing Pumpkins could stay where they were for two years. So I have no desire to go back to a sentimental position to the band. If I ever did go back to the band, it wouldn’t be the same thing, it wouldn’t be for those reasons. It wouldn’t be a reunion to cash in. I have no interest in that. My goals are always artistic, and they were even in the context of the Smashing Pumpkins. If you ever see Smashing Pumpkins on the marquee, it won’t be what you think it would be. The Pumpkins was a progressive art concept, it wasn’t a normal band. It was meant to sort of disrupt, cause problems, and it did. And we were successful in doing that. But we would never go back ... and on top of that, some of the relationships are totally destroyed. It would take some serious divine intervention to see.

AP: Since you always wanted to be in a band, why not put together another band after Zwan?

Corgan: (Laughs) Not after the last experience, no. I came to the conclusion that trying to start another band was completely naive. It was kind of like trying to start a relationship when you’re in love with someone else. It just ain’t gonna work. I’m in love with the Smashing Pumpkins ... there would be no other third band. I realize all that now. Everything in Zwan was pretty cool up until we made the album and they started to show their colors ... They were in it for fame and money.

AP: You’ve talked a lot about depression in your life — are you at a point where you’re happy?

Corgan: That’s a set up question (laughs). I don’t know how to answer that. There are some things that are worse and some things that are better. I feel like for a lack of a better word, empowered. ... I feel completely free to do whatever I want and how I want to do it. I feel unburdened by my past.

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