Smashing Pumpkins

Formed in 1987, Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the 1990s, with their 1995 album, ‘Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness' launching them into rock superstardom. But just 5 years later, as relationships between bandmates had completely broken down, the band split up. In this episode, we tell the story of Smashing Pumpkins rise to fame, whilst looking at the complexity of personal & inter-band problems that brought about the band's demise – from Billy Corgan's need for total musical control, to battles in the studio, pressures to succeed leading to depressive episodes & suicidal thoughts, bandmates battling addiction and - at the height of their fame – the death by overdose of their touring keyboardist.