The performance was complemented by an effective light show that accurately displayed the blistering chaos created on stage. With its edgy guitars and screaming lyrics, "Zero" was taken to new heights with a barrage of strobe lights that pushed it over the top. In theory, a cover of David Essex's "Rock On" wouldn't appear to work as rendered by the Pumpkins. But given Corgan's tongue-in-cheek version of the track (after all, Corgan is a rock star, and he knows it), the lyrics "Hey kids rock and roll, rock on" proved fitting as Iha reworked the track. When Corgan briefly delved into Van Halen's "Everybody Wants Some," he solidified this '70s homage as a high point for the show.
Other standouts included the raging "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," complete with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's tribal drumbeats and a blitzkrieg of screeching guitars and howling vocals, and the 10-minute-plus jam, "Glass and the Ghost Children." The latter track's rawness varied, as gentle moments were eclipsed by roaring guitars. What may have been perceived as pretentious on previous tours -- Corgan's pontificating and excessive jamming -- came across as earnest this time around.
