Vintage Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie T-Shirt. After the dissolution of his previous band, the gothic rock vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan returned to his hometown of Chicago. While working at a record store, Corgan's desire to form a new band led him to meet guitarist James Iha. Influenced by bands like the Cure and New Order, the two began writing songs (with the assistance of a drum machine) and gave their debut performance at Chicago 21 on July 9, 1988. Corgan and Iha were later joined by bassist D'arcy Wretzky, and they played their first show as a trio at the Avalon Nightclub. After impressing club owner Joe Shanahan, the band was offered a gig at the Cabaret Metro under the condition that they find a live drummer to replace the drum machine.
