If any of you were so bored with life, that you watched Billy Corgans nine-hour Madam ZuZus Tea Shop and Art Studio ambient jam, in February 2014, you will also have first hand experience of his live Smashing Pumpkins show.

Though his prominent crack and pasty arse, did not have a starring role atop his slacks on the stage at The Joint, in Las Vegas on July 10 2015, he was still giving the ultimate lullaby experience.  Time has not been kind to the big orange one.  He is the embodiment of middle-aged bloke.  His shoes were not visible, and they may have indeed been slippers…..

Blurry Brown Billy

Jimmy Chamberlin, a staple with the band from the early 90’s until the unease of the late 90’s/early 2000’s, saw the band break up, was once again back on his throne and the fans love it.  He plays like a true rock star.  But after an absolutely stellar performance by the preceding band, Corgans half assed vocals and pointing of his guitar neck just won’t cut it, however on beat and intricate Chamberlin is.  They are dead in the water, and no amount of paddling, or reinstating former members will save them from hitting the bottom of the lake.  The Smashing Pumpkins actually have a catalogue of great songs.  It would have been nice to see a little thought and effort go into them performing the better ones, for folk who essentially bankrolled Corgan all the way to the Teahouse…

The person that made the decision to put this band on last was an idiot…. and a genius.  It was likely Corgan!!  If The Smashing Pumkins had played first many of the crowd would have walked, apart from the really old dude that had to be forcibly removed after a mini collapse, likely due to a massive excess of potato water..   However, they played last so many in attendance stuck around, just to see if they were any good.  There was a steady trickle of folk leaving by the third song, more by the fifth.  Headbangerwoman was with them…….

When Marilyn Manson took his show to Edmonton, Alberta earlier in 2015, it was lacklustre to say the least.

Not so in Las Vegas. This show was sizzling.  White Hot.

Manson Live

Perhaps local radio stations should stop the practice of doling out tickets to half wits that go to shows solely to booze and antagonize others in attendance.  It seems as though it has a serious effect on the way a band performs and takes the edge off their ability to interact and become energized . Every single soul at The Joint was there to watch the spectacle that is Brian Warners alter ego, and his sidekick Jeordie (Twiggy) White.  The crowd fed the band, and the band gave a 110% rock show extravaganza.  True theater at it’s finest.  No-one can say they were disappointed.  Manson brought it, and he brought it hard.  From persuading many a gal (and possibly dudes…who knows?) in the front of the crowd to toss their bras on stage, to stilt walking and bible burning.  It all went on and it all went down well.  Mansons voice, though not record perfect, was right where it needed to be through the entire set, and he portrayed his character convincingly throughout.  If anyone in the crowd was religious, (doubtless…. but possible) they would have left immensely offended.  Just as was the aim. Unbelievable that this was the same band, only three months after a sad performance in Edmonton, Canada.  In Vegas they pulled the rabbit and it’s entire extended family, silk flowers… and a church on fire, out of the hat, to put on this show.

Hard to believe that only two years separate these two frontman, that one can still ignite the fire in you, while the other bores you to tears.  Matching portly bellies maybe, but Manson is the clear winner as far as performance.

KG Headbangerwoman  July 22 2015   Photographs KG  Headbangerwoman