Full Breakdown
Smashing Pumpkins Invite Brady Bunch Icon to Lollapalooza Pre-Show
7/31/2026, 11:58:01 AM
Unlikely Pairing at the Riviera Theatre
During the Lollapalooza pre-show on Wednesday night at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre, the Smashing Pumpkins brought out actor Barry Williams—best known for playing Greg Brady on *The Brady Bunch*—to perform the 1972 bubble-gum pop number “It’s a Sunshine Day.” The surprise guest sang alongside the band’s backup singers while frontman Billy Corgan performed in a long black leather coat, creating a stark contrast between the group’s dark aesthetic and the song’s wholesome vibe. Former Hole bassist and occasional Smashing Pumpkins member Melissa Auf der Maur also joined the stage for a rendition of “The Everlasting Gaze,” marking her first appearance with the band since their 2000 farewell show.
Background: Podcast Talk and Past Collaborations
Williams and Corgan first crossed paths earlier this year on Corgan’s “The Magnificent Others” podcast, where they discussed *The Brady Bunch*, Williams’s career, and the challenges of being forever linked to a television character. Their conversation set the stage for the on-stage reunion. Auf der Maur had previously performed “The Everlasting Gaze” with the band in Montreal after reuniting with Corgan, and she announced the forthcoming release of *BASS WOMB ROOM*, a collection of unreleased ’90s demos slated for September 4.
Setlist Highlights and Guest Performances
The pre-show setlist spanned the group’s catalog, featuring classics such as “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “Tonight, Tonight,” and “Cherub Rock.” Notable moments included the live debut of “War Dreams of Itself” from the 2024 album *Aghori Mhori Mei*, the first live performance of “Dorian” since 2015, and the return of “Thirty-Three,” which had not been played since 2018. The collaboration on “It’s a Sunshine Day” and the guest appearance on “The Everlasting Gaze” were the evening’s standout surprises.
Official Comment
- “I was so impressed that you had sort of made peace with the whole thing,” — Billy Corgan
What’s Next for the Band
The Smashing Pumpkins will return to Lollapalooza on Friday night—its first appearance at the Chicago festival in 32 years—and the set will stream live via Hulu and Disney+. Auf der Maur’s *BASS WOMB ROOM* collection is scheduled for release on September 4.
