In their heyday, Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins defined alternative rock. Then, like a bright star in the sky, things seemed to be extinguished almost instantly. Over the past seven years, their music has remained a staple for many fans, although hopes of another tour seemed highly unlikely. However, with a May announcement of two residencies—at hippie meccas San Francisco and Asheville nonetheless—Corgan, the Pumpkins and alternative rock are set to return to the U.S. bigger and shinier than ever—no telescope required.

      At time of publication, Corgan and the revamped Pumpkins, consisting of the only other original member, Jimmy Chamberlin, and joined by new additions Jeff Schroeder (guitar) and Ginger Reyes (bass), have played several shows in Europe. I heard the Paris show, one that consisted of one long set clocking in at over three hours. Well, at least rest is good for something. The band sounded refreshed and invigorated, especially Corgan. Even if "something" was missing that only the original lineup could have, the show was still very solid and enjoyable. In a statement released by Rolling Stone magazine, former band member James Iha declares: "No, I'm not part of the current Smashing Pumpkins album or tour, I haven't spoken to Billy in years. I'm writing for a solo record, which I'm going to record this year, and working on my indie label, Scratchie Records."

      Corgan realizes just how ravenous fans have been, and he is not about to leave them hungry for more. On top of the marathon concerts, he has penned a new album, Zeitgeist, and the Pumpkins are allowing audience audio and video recording. The Zeitgeist track list is as follows: 1) Doomsday Clock, 2) 7 Shades of Black, 3) Orchid, 4) That's the Way, 5) Tarantula, 6) Starz, 7) United States, 8) Never Lost, 9) Bring the Light, 10) Come On (Let's Go), 11) For God and Country, and 12) Pomp and Circumstance. I, like many I'm sure, am calling "United States" as the opener for the Pumpkins' first U.S. show—their first in over seven years.

      In fact, they are encouraging it, and talk of HD cameras being set up by fans is now commonplace on fan message boards. Zeitgeist is both familiar in the classic Pumpkins sense of the word, and a true breath of fresh air all rolled—or should I say, rocked—into one.

      Europe may be one thing, but the U.S. will be another. Even though tickets are in high demand, it will be tough for Corgan and company to keep many entertained for NINE nights at the Orange Peel in North Carolina and eight more in San Francisco. However, if the first shows back are any indication, the fans will be ready, this time with HD video cameras instead of telescopes to see that star that is trying to shine brighter than ever.