Billy Corgan

Date: 2017-11-10 | Duration: 1h 55m

Episode Overview

Billy Corgan dives deep into his multifaceted career, sharing candid reflections on his journey as the frontman of Smashing Pumpkins and his ventures beyond music. He discusses the complexities of the music industry, including the challenges of record contracts, the impact of streaming, and the shifting dynamics between artists and labels. Corgan offers insight into his creative process and the importance of authenticity, touching on how his early rebelliousness against suburban life shaped the intensity of his work. He also reflects on collaborations with legendary producer Rick Rubin, who helped him regain confidence during a difficult period. Beyond music, Corgan reveals his fascination with combat sports and roller derby, connecting these interests to his appreciation for competition and resilience. He shares memorable stories from his childhood, including a complicated relationship with his father and encounters with the darker sides of Chicago’s underworld. The conversation also explores themes of personal failure, artistic integrity, and the blurred lines between public persona and private life. Throughout, Corgan’s openness about his struggles and triumphs paints a vivid portrait of an artist continually evolving while staying true to his vision.

About Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the frontman of the iconic alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. With a career spanning over three decades, Corgan has penned numerous hits, including "1979" and "Tonight, Tonight," which have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. His latest album, "Ogilala," produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, showcases his evolution as an artist and a poet, reflecting his deep introspection and innovative spirit. Beyond music, Corgan is also an entrepreneur, actively involved in wrestling and other creative ventures, making him a captivating figure whose artistic contributions continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Key Moments

– Music Marketing
– Music Industry
– Smashing Pumpkins
– Wrestling History
– Roller Derby
– Music Lawsuits
– UFC
– MMA Doping
– Dennis Rodman
– Music Streaming
– Record Contracts
– Music Production
– Childhood Trauma
– Free Speech
– Pop Music
– Artist Persona
– Music Legacy
– Celebrity Culture
0:00:00 – Introduction and greetings
0:01:41 – Clarifying lawsuit outcome misconceptions
0:04:39 – Discussion about roller derby and physicality
0:06:04 – Explaining NWA and WWE wrestling history
0:07:27 – Blurring lines between wrestler persona and real life
0:09:22 – Mention of Family Guy featuring Billy Corgan
0:10:58 – Billy's difficult relationship with his father
0:15:29 – Revealing mob-related childhood story
0:18:27 – Power vacuum and crime dynamics in Chicago
0:22:07 – Suburban life influence on music intensity
0:24:33 – Discussing Nirvana and conspiracy theories
0:26:47 – Working with producer Rick Rubin
0:29:19 – Reflection on personal hubris and creative process
0:33:22 – Songwriting and cultural contributions
0:37:58 – Challenges of record contracts and industry control
0:40:44 – Record labels' deals with streaming services
0:45:39 – Internet's impact on music distribution
0:49:09 – Early prediction of music streaming future
0:51:52 – Guns N' Roses' brand and legacy discussion
0:56:34 – Unique performance settings and artistic choices
0:59:50 – 90s club shows with rare songs
1:01:10 – Changing perspective on performing live
1:05:51 – Pop music as a form of entertainment
1:07:29 – Artist struggles with industry expectations
1:10:36 – Idealism about music's future
1:14:01 – Madness and creativity in music
1:15:35 – Factors that disrupted band dynamics
1:18:15 – Jealousy and fairness in band relationships
1:22:05 – Manipulation within the music business
1:24:38 – MTV's role in music industry changes
1:27:26 – Billy's long-term involvement with UFC
1:29:47 – MMA doping controversies and testing issues
1:35:14 – Billy's admiration for creative artists
1:38:05 – Story about Dennis Rodman's emotional moments
1:42:38 – Dennis Rodman's impact on team dynamics
1:46:20 – Being authentic and open as an artist
1:48:57 – Discussion on free speech and public discourse
1:51:40 – Billy's new solo acoustic album release

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 All right, we're live. Starting point is 00:00:15 Yeah, well, I've been a fan of your music for a long time, so it's kind of cool to see Starting point is 00:00:37 I was president for a hot second. Starting point is 00:00:49 I knew her through the years. Starting point is 00:01:04 And through the contrivance of all that, then I started getting more power in the company and Starting point is 00:01:41 quick funny thing um people continually write that I lost the lawsuit. Starting point is 00:02:32 It was bizarre. Starting point is 00:02:55 I mean, they just don't want to hear. Starting point is 00:03:06 Cause I could imagine. Starting point is 00:03:15 It's just, Starting point is 00:03:26 Like I've watched where you guys go deep dives and MMA and other things Starting point is 00:03:54 Right. Starting point is 00:04:10 So it's just in the blood, I guess. Starting point is 00:04:39 you can be thick and be a roller derby girl. You could eat all the carbs you like. Starting point is 00:04:53 You see them go after each other and skating around. Starting point is 00:05:13 Yeah, I didn't even know there was men's roller derby. Starting point is 00:05:38 watching it on a, on regular TV, you know, that those guys were great. I mean, Starting point is 00:06:04 So the NWA, is that older than the WWE? Starting point is 00:06:25 And what they would do is they named one champ Starting point is 00:06:40 and there would be a cage match. Starting point is 00:06:52 There's Ric Flair with our belt, actually. Starting point is 00:07:11 Yeah, that's pretty wild, actually. Starting point is 00:07:27 And I, and I, you know, I'm not trying to speak for Rick, but you know, there's a, there's an example of somebody where it's like the, the persona and the real life person sort of blurred. Starting point is 00:07:45 used to be andrew silverstein and the dice man was a character right to do on stage is he now Starting point is 00:08:11 I'm the other way. Starting poi...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1038?

Billy Corgan was the guest on JRE #1038. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1038?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1038 with Billy Corgan, topics include Music Marketing, Music Industry, Smashing Pumpkins, and Wrestling History.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1038?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1038 with Billy Corgan is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.