In a thunderous homage to their storied legacy, The Smashing Pumpkins, a band that has carved their name into the annals of rock history, have announced a 30th anniversary reissue of their iconic 1996 collection, The Aeroplane Flies High. This reissue, set to drop on December 18, will be available in both a standard five-LP format and a limited-edition color LP set, marking the first time this pivotal collection graces vinyl since 2013. Pre-orders are already igniting the fervor among fans hungry for a taste of nostalgia.
Originally unleashed in late 1996, The Aeroplane Flies High is a sprawling masterpiece that encompasses expanded editions of each single from the legendary Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness — tracks like “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” and “1979” resonate with an emotional depth that has withstood the test of time. Adding to its allure, the collection features covers of The Cars, Blondie, and The Cure, alongside B-sides and rarities that enrich the narrative of one of the Pumpkins' most prolific creative periods. Thirty years later, this collection remains a cherished artifact of the band's audacious artistic journey.
As if the vinyl revival wasn’t enough, the Pumpkins also celebrate new milestones in their discography, with Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness achieving a staggering 11x Platinum certification, while Siamese Dream has reached 7x Platinum status. It’s a testament to the enduring power of their music, echoing through the ages and captivating new generations.
In tandem with The Aeroplane Flies High reissue, The Smashing Pumpkins have also reintroduced 1994’s B-sides compilation Pisces Iscariot and the 1998 classic Adore on standard black vinyl. For the die-hard fans, a new retail exclusive, Absolute Zeros, showcases their greatest hits from the Virgin era, featuring timeless anthems like “Today” and “Disarm.”
The buzz surrounding this reissue coincides with the band's ambitious Rats In A Cage tour, which kicked off on September 30. This tour promises a dual setlist experience, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie while also traversing nearly four decades of their expansive catalog. It’s a live spectacle that metal and rock enthusiasts won't want to miss.
With plans for a monumental 2025 anniversary celebration for Mellon Collie and a 25th anniversary reissue of Machina/The Machines Of God, it’s clear that The Smashing Pumpkins are not just resting on their laurels. Billy Corgan continues to be a force of nature, leading the charge in not only music but also wrestling and podcasting, ensuring that the Pumpkins' legacy remains vibrant and relevant in today’s music scene.