Ongoing History Daily: Please don’t sing, Billy

April 3, 2023 Alan Cross 0 Comments

Before the Smashing Pumpkins took off, Billy Corgan was in a bunch of bands that never went anywhere. One of those projects was Deep Blue Dream, a Chicago band from the 80s that was quite popular locally.

The leader was a guy named Wayne Welk. After catching a set by Billy’s band, he was impressed by his guitar playing but didn’t think much of Billy’s singing voice. Wayne asked Billy to join Deep Blue Dream, which he did—but on the condition that he did not sing, even if it was just backup vocals. Billy did join up and he did as he was told and kept his mouth shut.

That gig lasted for a while before Billy moved on to form the Smashing Pumpkins where, of course, he was the lead singer. Meanwhile, Deep Blue Dream evolved into another band called Static-X and they’ve had some success, too.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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