Professionalism
(Who has it...and more importantly, who needs to get themselves some. Pronto.)

Feel free to hate me.

 This is the message I get from Billy Corgan. And you know what? I partake. I am prodigiously offended at the things I have seen and heard surrounding the Smashing Pumpkins, and I'm going to go off on another rant here that is a response to the intelligent discussion in the Clumsy Congress.

Any artist who relies on the media and impressionable youth for his daily bread has absolutely, positively no right whatsoever to bite the hands that feed him.

I suppose it's my morals talking again, but every artist has a responsibility to be serious and conscientious about lives that they affect. Teenagers are the biggest demographic of moneymakers in the music industry. The fat of the land. A farmer who tends his wild oats, as it were, doesn't turn around and burn his crop once it starts blooming and making him serious cash. The bigger the crop, the more attention it needs and careful tending.

Billy doesn't seem to give two shits about anything other than the money rolling in. And for Pumpkins fans, well, it's NOT just Billy. I say the whole band is at fault. D'Arcy and James know exactly what's going on. They are not chained to Billy's side. Silence is merely another form of agreement. They know he's a problem and they let him go on with his petulance and say nothing.

We are not a herd of sheep who blindly follow any shiny shepherd. At least the fans that I know aren't. We're intelligent people who really do pay attention, and performers like Billy Corgan do not sit well in our collective palette.

The Pumpkins lost a bandmember and for the world they show anger and disbelief. Drugs, as it were. Pointing the accusatory finger at the drummer and symbolically slaying him for his crimes. How about rehab? How about a band that sticks together? You'll notice Stone Temple Pilots were strong under Scott when he kept relapsing...and when they realized that it was time to part ways, they did it with beautiful and encouraging display of respect and understanding.

Our Lady Peace grew apart from Chris Eacrett. I have yet to hear them say anything negative. Of course, there's rumors about Chris and drugs, but that's only hearsay. Billy and the Gang lost their drummer and keyboardist...So what? We still kick, man! They walk around with erect phalluses, behaving for the universe as though they rivaled God. You're never the same when you change the band dynamics. Ever.

I am a direct believer in the power of the media. The media, or feeding frenzy, is a power that performers should respect above anything else. The media can make you or break you, and Billy is headed directly for a meltdown at the rate he's going. His sales are declining. Fans are restless and uneasy, and most of all, unsure. He is not #1 anymore, and it's only infuriating him.

Musicians need to constantly reinvent themselves. They need to look deep within and ask each other continually, "Who am I?" with every record. Why? If not for the sole fact that it brings a personal level to music, performers should constantly be giving themselves that subconscious reality check that keeps it real. And honest. Fakers are eventually uncovered, no matter how they snow the media. Milli Vanilli, Vanilla Ice. The cryogenically preserved "Menudo". Ava Adore.

What astounds me is Billy's ability to snarl at the media, snarl at his fans and snarl at his own band. That takes a beastly sized pair of testicles. How long does he think he will last? Does he believe this razor-edged goth dress-up party is going to see him through rocky days? Billy tried to anticipate his market and be a culmination of his little goth children by becoming one of them. He failed to realize that sort of reinvention needs authenticity behind it or we'll see right through it like we already are. Goth is not about eyeliner and red contact lenses; Goth is a state of mind.

I've heard from my friend Autumn (she is the blue wig/spike wielding one) that the Philadelphia Goth community is infuriated with Billy. They don't buy his new look, and therefore they don't buy his new album. Many pine for the day when Siamese Dream was in its old glory. Now? He is a totem pole of career disaster and poor choices.

Stick with what you know, Billy. Not with who you hate.

And what about the actual music that the Pumpkins make? Some of it reeks of genius, I dare admit, amidst all of my venom and firespewing. I don't feel that as consumers we should deign to allow for erratic and destructive behavior in people who are destined to be role models for our young. We should set higher standards that people like Corgan should adhere to. In reality, the musicians are the ones who dance for the fans and hope we like it. There are varying degrees of their bellyshaking, but I just can't digest fans who cling to Corgan while he tries to peel them off. That may speak volumes about the fans' state of mind. We really have the power as paying customers, and it is entirely feasible to force puppets like Corgan to supply what we demand: Professionalism.

This entire discussion only serves to strengthen respect for bands who truly know what's going on. Nobody is saying that music has to be this serious depth of enlightenment all the time. I love stupid happy music, I love soothing, chirping, farting woodland noises. I have my thrash, I have my sap romance, and then, revered in my car and CD rack at home, are the bands whose music I do not only enjoy, but respect. And respect as artists, too.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Our Lady Peace has a dedication to their craft that I've never seen before. And I think it's a fine standard to cultivate.

No, they don't have to be stone-faced and tunnel visioned, but they also don't have to be drooling morons who live to set hotel carpets on fire and issue lines of women outside their rooms for a rollicking game of Hide the Salami. But Our Lady Peace are focused and goal-driven, and hell, I'll pay $120 per seat just to let their energy wash over me.

They're worth my time.


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RESPONSES:

To: [email protected]
From: The Rev
Subject: The Pumpkins, et al.

Anyone looking to a rock and roll band for a role model is up shit creek from day one. Think about what popular music represents these days, what it advocates...it's like looking up to a drug dealer, a pimp, and an arms dealer all rolled into one socially unacceptable package. Case in point - the new master of marketing, Eminem. "This guy at White Castle asked for my autograph, so I signed it 'Dear Dave: Thanks for the support, asshole...'" Oh, wait. That's funny, right? Or social commentary, at the very least; after all, it's words over a beat.

Bullshit. That's someone cashing in on being the social renegade. Some thin white kid high on eckys (if Rolling Stone can be believed) who figured out exactly how much abuse the system will tolerate, and pushed the envelope just that little bit farther. He's riding abuse right up the charts, although it's well spread out abuse, anyway. I've never heard anyone insult so many different groups all at one shot. He's just insulting his fans in his music instead of in interviews.

He's also selling more records than Adore and Clumsy did put together.

You're absolutely right - as consumers, we hold the ultimate power. In theory, we could show our displeasure in a way that'll force Eminem, Corgan, and Manson (you knew he was coming, didn't you?) to shut up and listen, and it's as simple as just not buying the albums. Unfortunately, what that requires is actual thought about what the band's advocating and saying to their fans. These days, if you don't tell your fans they're drooling jackasses without any original thought processes, you seem to be doing something wrong. Of course, you could solve it the other way - just make music that's got no redeeming social value whatsoever (why howdy, Miss Spears, you're lookin' lovely today. I especially like the scarf yer wearin' as a skirt.) Give 'em nothin' to think about and you're laughing all the way to the bank.

Billy wants to act like an asshole? I say let him. It ain't gonna amount to a handfulla assflakes in the big picture. For every concerned fan that's going to say "This is wrong, I'm insulted; fuck 'em, I won't buy the album", there's five more to take their place with their allowance in their hand.

I think Eminem's bank balance will back me up on that one.

Kate's Note: Well written, Todd. As usual. :) It just chaps my ass that people adore him and adopt his mannerisms. Protesting and educating is the way to stimulate change; if nobody thought "Hey, this King is wrong. I'm insulted; fuck 'em, I'm moving out." America would not have been populated. But then...



To: [email protected]
From: Shannon Steele
Subject: Kate's View & the Smashing Pumpkins

Hi Kate,

I get really dissapointed when I hear Our Lady Peace fans speaking of Billy in disliking matters. It makes me think that the only reason they hate the Smashing Pumpkins is because of some thoughtless comment Billy Corgan made about Our Lady Peace.

I have to say that I enjoyed Adore. I think it was a creative record. How many of you can say you actually put out together an album?

Billy may be a jerk and an asshole, and it irks me when his ego rubs off on James and D'arcy. After meeting the band once, it came to my attention that Billy was an ego-manic and James and D'arcy were merely following behind.

I admit that I didn't like the way the band pointed their fingers at Jimmy when he was caught with his drug problem. I agree with you Kate, I think they should've sent him to rehab or some kind of mental help. But from rumours I hear, the Smashing Pumpkins are considering letting Jimmy back into the band.

Which brings up my last point (ahh, finally she's done!), Billy may be an asshole, but I have total respect for all bands, groups and musicians.

Oh yes, and before I sign off, I wanted to mention, Kate, I read your teenybopper view and I'm glad to see someone else who has the same views as me.

~Shannon

Kate's Note: I have purposely not mentioned any of the moronic, revealing, hideously petty things Corgan has said about OLP and other bands because that is not the basis of my view. I have long detested his high-handed manner since Melancholy. I can drag witnesses out, but I prefer not to sink to his level. I've sunk enough as it is *grin*.

Also, I don't feel that I have to respect someone just because they were born with a gift, no matter what it is. The point of my view was to outline the unprofessionalism rampant in the music industry, and how we as consumers become blind to it just because we revere a scab of a human being as a god and not, in fact, as human. With human failings. Would you pardon Jeffrey Dahmer from murder simply because he was a good son? Corgan has a responsibility to his music, his band, his fans and himself to uphold high standards; he is relying on his reputation and not creating the stir of practice. Do you really want to associate yourself with an egomaniac who can squat and crap out a decent song or two? Talent alone does not command respect.

On another note, Jimmy has now officially been readmitted to the band. I have high hopes for the quality of the Pumpkins' music with the simple addition of an integral part of their nucleus. Also in unrelated news, STP has reformed!! It's THAT kind of band-glue I was referring to in my rant...this has put me in a very good mood. I am more than happy to change my opinion about Billy when Billy stops being a flaming flapjack to his fans and colleagues.

 From: C MacDonald
To: [email protected]
Subject: (no subject)

I recently read your view on olp.net, and I was very disappointed. Do you know Billy Corgan personally? Do you know him from anything other than the media? I don't think so. You have just written a report insulting someone you don't even know.

It's extremely unfair that you judge a person on the way the media portrays him, and you have no right to do so. Personally, I dislike some of the things Billy has said in interviews and such, but to announce to every single person who comes to olp.net that Billy Corgan is a self-absorbed jerk is a step too far. How would you like it if, every day of your life, you were being judged by your clothes, speech, physical appearance, acquaintances, and role? Not just by your friends and family, but by news reporters, fans, t.v, and virtually the world?

Raylene

Kate's Note: I am judged everyday on my appearance, clothes, speech and role. So are you. If I dressed a slob and talked like Corky, I wouldn't have a job.

My issues with Corgan are ones of morality and plain sense. "His music is brilliant," some would say...yeah, well, give a chimp a guitar and he'll surprise you given enough record deals. Like two or three.

I do not insult Billy, but if the truth stings, then, well, I'm insulting him indirectly. Think about it.

Billy is a success because:
a. He has a black belt in being a complete knob.
b. People are idiots, raised to believe that individualism and professionalism are interchangeable terms.
c. He is actually quite poetic and profound when blunt object "A" is successfully removed from rear orifice "B".

Billy is a success due to all three choices. And his career is dwindling; if not merely in a rut, stalling evermore as his mouth reloads. He willingly followed a career where he is hooker to the pimping media, and he gets mad when we don't toss him a twenty and order a slurpfest. That's the nature of the beast.

He's a jackass to even presume I would sit back and let him wound social standards in the music industry. Of the young and impressionable...teaching you or me that it's okay to be a fucking prick, make millions, and continue to be a prick. An artist is his art, no matter how much you try to separate the two. If Billy wants me to give a shit, he needs to feed me a little more fiber.
To: [email protected]
From: Mark Edler
Subject: smashing pumpkins

I'm not the type of person who dislikes it when people have opinions about things, but i have to say i'm a little disappointed in your attitude towards the pumpkins. I saw them in June last year, in Melbourne, Australia, and it was the best show i've ever been too. To say that Billy doesn't care about his fans seems a little strange to me...how can do you know if you're not a fan yourself? The show i went to went for 2 1/2 hours, they played all their new songs and reinvented some classics, as well as talking and joking to the crowd. I also know a couple of people who have met Billy and they say he's really sweet. There are some other things i want to remind you of : They recently donated ALL the money taken from their North American tour to childrens charity. They kicked Jimmy out of the band after SEVERAL warnings, but now it seems now he's better and he may be rejoining the band. Also, too many people are bashing adore because it is different, which is just the sort of attitude that spawns mindless drivel like Mariah Carey and The Spice Girls. I think it's pretty amazing that they released anything considering Billy's mother died, and his best friend in the band OD'd on herion. I think that's about all i have to say...and all this from someone who also likes Our Lady Peace...i must be a lunatic eh?

-Mark



To: [email protected]
From: Chris Coletta
Subject: View

The reinventing of the Pumpkins is their own fault, because they brought their fall from stardom onto themselves.

It was the admirable thing to do to get rid of Jimmy (Chamberlain, the drummer up to the release of MCIS), but not the smart thing. When they got rid of him, it was after MANY warnings to stop doing the stuff that he was doing. They should have kept him on, because you'd think the shock of him waking up next to his dead friend and bandmate would wake the guy up, but Billy and co. let him go. That song on the Batman soundtrack, The End is the Beginning is the End, was prophetic. Adore's sales were horrible compared to MCIS and Siamese Dream.

Jimmy's clean now, according to reports. The band is considering letting him back in now. I hope for their sake, they do. Billy will always be an asshole... but at least now, with the guy who kept the Smashing Pumpkins smashing, we can get some good music out of it.
~Chris



To: [email protected]
From: Patricia Guenther
Subject: Hey Kate! Read some of your stuff.

I totally agree with your professionalism view on Billy Corgan, although I did like Adore. I mean, yeah, it was overated by the critics (a grammy, yeah right), but it's a decent record. And you did bring up some good points about D'arcy and James not saying anything, although right now they're probably trying to present an unified front, after all the shit the bands been through. It's still wrong, but I can understand it.

Oh, and I read your view on the teenybopper, and you honestly made me feel a little more empathy for them. Thanks. Bye.
-Lisa

To: [email protected]
From: Meredith Watkins
Subject: Re:Kate's Veiw (Billy Corgan)

I agree with what you said Kate, and, (as usual) it was very well put.

but I don't think Billy Corgan is even worth discussing. He's not worth the time, nor energy.

I watched the CCers discuss it (for the millionth time) and all of them got worked up and basically said the same thing. I just think that we're all better than that, better than him. And he's not worth it. MHO.

~oskar