Corgan Returns

Former Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan made his return to the stage on Friday night (November 16) in California fronting new band Zwan.

The outfit which features Matt Sweeney on guitar, Skullfisher on bass, Pumkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and Corgan as frontman premiered 13 new songs and one Beatles cover during their hour and a half long debut at the Glass House in Pomona, a city about 40 miles outside of Los Angeles.

Hundreds of fans turned up to the sold out gig early, lining the street by the venue and down the block, and causing a police presence. Though the show was originally scheduled to start at 8.30 PM, the set by opening band Wagner, was delayed by half an hour to allow time for the estimated 700 patrons to fill the venue.

Corgan arrived on stage shortly after 10, dressed in a smart white shirt and black trousers. Like Courtney Love's debut mere weeks ago, Zwan's first song, 'Chrysanthemum' with its loud and boisterious attitude hinted the band was heading in a punk-inspired direction.

The group later displayed their versatility offering alt rock ballads on 'Glorius' and 'Sorrow', soulful leanings on 'Jesus I' and a light reggae tinge on 'The Shining Path'. Many fans told NME.COM they thought most of the songs sounded very similar to Smashing Pumpkins.

Throughout the performance, Corgan seemed nervous, continually tuning his guitar before each song. Though his audience interaction was limited to a few words of thanks, Corgan seemed pleased to be back on stage, often smiling broadly after rapturous cheers from the audience.

"It was really good," said Claudia from West Covina. "I didn't know what to expect because his work has been so broad. It was more upbeat than the Smashing Pumpkins."

Lance, from Chicago, concurred. "This was a more mature Billy and company. The guitar is almost better than James Iha. The crowd was confused because they didn't know what to expect."

Zwan continue their live debuts tonight (November 18) Sunday in Santa Ana, California.

FRED DURST, BILLY CORGAN, JIMMY PAGE and members of BLACK CROWES were amongst a stellar crowd who witnessed a rare solo live show by MICK JAGGER last night (November 15).

The Rolling Stones frontman performed a club date at the approximately 800-capacity El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. The date was his only live performance to promote his new solo album 'Goddess In The Doorway', which is released in the UK on November 20.

Jimmy Page told the Reuters news service that Jagger looked "great" at the show. He said: "It felt like it was 1978 and people were worshipping the idea that Mick looked exactly like he did 23 years ago. He looked great."

In addition to his solo material, Jagger performed two Rolling Stones songs, 'Respectable' and 'Miss You'.

Chicago Chapter Names Heroes Awards Recipients

The Recording Academy's Chicago Chapter has selected Sam Lay, Jeff McClusky, Ken Nordine, the Smashing Pumpkins and Koko Taylor to receive its 2001 Heroes Award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed professionally and philanthropically to the local music community. The achievements of the honorees will be celebrated at a dinner gala at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago on Dec. 5.

Recording Academy President/CEO Michael Greene, Chicago Chapter President Neil Tesser and Regional Director Griff Morris will participate in the program, along with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel who will make a presentation. The event will be emceed by four-time GRAMMY-nominated jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and feature performances by Kill Hannah, Liquid Soul, Ike Reilly and Siegel-Schwall Blues Band.

"All of the honorees have made contributions not just to our culture through their endeavors, but have also recognized that with their unique talents they are presented with a unique opportunity to give something back to the community and positively influence those who look upon them," said Greene.

Legendary drummer Sam Lay has recorded with a wide range of artists from Howlin' Wolf to Paul Butterfield to Muddy Waters. He appeared on Bob Dylan's classic Highway 61 Revisited and performed in his backup band at the historic 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Lay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1992.

Jeff McClusky, founder and president of Jeff McClusky & Associates, has revolutionized the music promotion business since establishing his namesake organization in 1982. JMA operates as a full service, multi-format music promotion and marketing company, and is the recipient of many industry awards.

Ken Nordine's voice graces numerous radio and television advertisements, including those for Levi's 501, Miller Beer, Taster's Choice, Motorola and Gallo Wines, to name a few. Nordine made his name in musical circles with eclectic recordings of poetry and jazz which gave birth to the word-jazz genre.

The Smashing Pumpkins helped usher in the alternative music era with their unique sound, combining metal, goth, pop and rock for an indie sound with radio appeal. The Smashing Pumpkins, who have won two GRAMMY Awards, have extended their creativity to the video realm, producing memorable and trend-setting visual accompaniments to their music.

Koko Taylor is the undisputed queen of Chicago blues. Taylor first came into the public eye in 1966 with her performance of the Willie Dixon-penned classic "Wang Dang Doodle." In 1975, Taylor joined the roster at Alligator Records, and since that time she has won a GRAMMY Award and several Handy Awards.

Proceeds from the Chicago Chapter's Heroes Awards gala will benefit MusiCares, the health and human services arm of the Academy, and the Chicago Chapter's arts and education programs.

In its second year, the Chicago Heroes Awards honor outstanding individuals whose creative talents and accomplishments cross all musical boundaries and who are integral to the vitality of the music community. Heroes Awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Chicago Chapter and recipients embody the high standards of excellence and integrity that the Academy champions and promotes. Past Heroes Awards recipients include Steve Albini, Lonnie Brooks, Terri Hemmert, R. Kelly and Ramsey Lewis.