Billy Corgan caused plenty of animosity while The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Lollapalooza in 1994, as detailed in the new book, LOLLAPALOOZA: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival. Originally slated as Nirvana’s replacement after Kurt Cobain‘s death, Corgan faced challenges stepping into the headlining role and admitted to being combative with the audience. The book also reveals tension between Corgan and other musicians, with Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne particularly critical of Corgan’s behavior. “Billy Corgan was such a raging a**hole, especially back then, that you didn’t want to stick around and watch them,” recalls Coyne. “We liked a few of their songs, but we would just despise him after a while. So we’d leave right after the Beastie Boys played to avoid the traffic, because the audience was also starting to clear out.” Coyne clearly hasn’t forgiven Corgan’s behavior, admitting “We’re still avoiding him to this day.” (Consequence of Sound)
