The Smashing Pumpkins welcomed an unexpected guest during their Lollapalooza pre-show in Chicago on Wednesday night: The Brady Bunch star Barry Williams. During the band’s hometown gig at the Riviera Theatre, Williams – best known for playing Greg Brady on the classic sitcom – joined Billy Corgan and company for a performance of “It’s a Sunshine Day,” a song originally performed by the Brady kids on the show. The wholesome singalong made for an especially surreal sight alongside the Smashing Pumpkins’ dark stage aesthetic, with Corgan towering in a long black leather coat as the band’s backup singers cheerfully swung their arms to the music.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Williams do have some recent history, as the actor appeared as a guest on Corgan’s podcast The Magnificent Others earlier this year, where the two discussed The Brady Bunch, Williams’ career, and his experiences growing up as a television star.
Special Guests and Rare Performances
Williams wasn’t the night’s only surprise guest. Former Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur also joined the band for the closing performance of “The Everlasting Gaze,” just over a year after reuniting with Corgan to perform the same song in Montreal. Before that, the pair hadn’t shared the stage since the Smashing Pumpkins’ 2000 farewell show. Auf der Maur recently announced BASS WOMB ROOM, a collection of previously unreleased ’90s demos and interludes arriving September 4th.
The Smashing Pumpkins dug a little deeper into their catalog for the occasion as well, performing “Thirty-Three” for the first time since 2018 and “Dorian” for the first time since 2015. They also gave “War Dreams of Itself,” from their 2024 LP Aghori Mhori Mei, its live debut.
Upcoming Tour and Livestream
The Smashing Pumpkins will return to Lollapalooza on Friday night, marking their first performance at the Chicago festival in 32 years. For those who can’t make it to Grant Park, the band’s set will be available as part of Lollapalooza’s 2026 livestream on Hulu and Disney+. Beginning in late September, Smashing Pumpkins will embark on “The Rats in a Cage Tour” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
In conclusion, the Smashing Pumpkins’ Lollapalooza pre-show was a night to remember, with special guests Barry Williams and Melissa Auf der Maur joining the band for unforgettable performances. With their upcoming tour and livestream, fans have plenty to look forward to from the iconic rock band.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
