Billy Corgan is an American musician, singer-songwriter and professional wrestling promoter from Chicago. He is best known as the co-founder, lead guitarist, primary songwriter, singer and only constant member of the Smashing Pumpkins, and is associated with alternative rock as well as acoustic rock, alternative country, indie, rock and synth-pop. He is also known for his influence on the wider popularity of alternative rock.

Music career

Corgan forms the Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago in 1988 with guitarist James Iha, with bassist D’arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin joining soon after. The group becomes commercially successful and critically acclaimed through the 1990s, building its profile through major album sales and large tours.

After the Smashing Pumpkins break up in 2000, Corgan and Chamberlin form Zwan. Following Zwan’s split, he releases the poetry collection Blinking with Fists and the solo album TheFutureEmbrace. He later reforms the Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 with a lineup that changes frequently around him.

Corgan releases Ogilala and Cotillions as solo albums, and his recorded work is issued on labels including Faust’s Haus Music and Trying Times Music. His associated acts also include The Marked, Starchildren, Deep Blue Dream and Spirits in the Sky.

Wrestling promotion

Alongside music, Corgan works in professional wrestling. He co-founds Resistance Pro Wrestling in 2011, joins TNA Wrestling in 2015 and serves as its president in 2016. He purchases the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017 and continues to promote it.