photo feature | The Smashing Pumpkins “Shiny Oh So Bright”

The Smashing Pumpkins‘ reunion tour kicked off last week at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

After nearly a 20 year absence, the band is back together with almost all original members. Riding high on the current 90s nostalgia wave, the band promises to dedicate their tour to playing music exclusively from their first five albums. That means we can expect classics like “Tonight, Tonight,” “1979” and “Zero.” Their performance in Glendale also offered some surprises, including a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” What is most striking, however are the stunning visuals used in the backdrop of the stage, including one visual interlude created by Mark McGrath.

Canadian rock band Metric is opening for The Smashing Pumpkins for most of their tour which ends in September.

All photos by Steve Simpson, IG: @stevesimpsonphotography