This past Saturday, Billy Corgan and the Machines of God (joined by supporting band Return to Dust), kicked off their Return to Zero tour at Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland with a sold-out show. Billy praised the city of Baltimore, saying how much he loves it, having toured there for over 30 years.
Opening the night was Los Angeles band ‘Return to Dust’ brought their Alice in Chains style heavy rock to the Soundstage and everyone rocked out! The band is comprised of Matty Bielawski on guitars and vocals, Graham Stanush on bass and vocals, Sebastian Gonzales on guitar and London Hudson on drums. Be sure to check them out while they are on tour with Billy and The Machines of God through June! Find them here.
Loyal fans were decked out in their Smashing Pumpkin tee-shirts; my personal favorite was “The World is a Vampire”, a re-issued nod to the old band shirts (though there were probably several 90’s originals as well!). While some eager fans started lining up at 6 a.m. (yes, a.m.) the line really began forming around 5 p.m. for the first group of VIP fans who were treated to a gift bag of goodies, and a meet-and-greet with Billy. The second lucky group got a signed poster and early entry.
Billy Corgan came out looking powerfully neo-goth in a long sweeping tan tunic. Bassist Kidd Tigrrr, wearing all white, and guitarist Kiki Wong, in red and black, stood on either side of the iconic singer, angel-and-devil style. Drummer Jake Hayden effortlessly delivered a heavy and powerful performance that would have made Jimmy Chamberlin proud. The band started out with “Glass Theme” and ended the night with equally energizing “The Everlasting Gaze”.
Billy shouted out a heartfelt thanks to the crowd for their support.