The Smashing Pumpkins are revisiting their groundbreaking debut album, Gish, with a vinyl reissue slated for release on , 2026. The reissue commemorates the 35th anniversary of the album’s original release in .
The band is offering multiple variants of the reissue, catering to both collectors and casual fans. A limited-edition version, pressed on 180-gram grey vinyl with pink and purple splatter – a nod to the album’s iconic artwork – will be available at frontman Billy Corgan’s Highland Park, Illinois tea shop, Madame ZuZu’s, as well as select independent record stores. A standard 180-gram black vinyl edition is also available for pre-order.
Recorded with producer Butch Vig at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, Gish marked a pivotal moment in the band’s trajectory. The album showcased the Pumpkins’ burgeoning signature sound – a dynamic blend of rock, metal, psychedelia, shoegaze, and pop – and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene. It eventually achieved Platinum certification by the RIAA.
The album’s tracklist features standout songs like “I Am One,” “Siva,” and “Rhinoceros,” alongside deeper cuts such as “Snail,” “Daydream,” and “Bury Me.” These tracks collectively demonstrate the band’s ability to seamlessly transition between dreamy textures and powerful guitar riffs, all anchored by Billy Corgan’s distinctive vocals.
The reissue arrives packaged in the original 1991 artwork, offering a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and a glimpse into the album’s original aesthetic for new listeners. Both vinyl editions are currently available for pre-order.
This anniversary release comes amidst a period of continued activity for Billy Corgan. He recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of his podcast, The Magnificent Others, where he’s interviewed a diverse range of figures including Gene Simmons, Yungblud, and Sharon Osbourne. His most recent guest was Nancy Wilson of Heart.
The Smashing Pumpkins’ recent collaborations also highlight their ongoing influence and willingness to engage with contemporary artists. They recently teamed up with Yungblud for a reimagined version of his song “Zombie,” showcasing a fusion of their signature sound with Yungblud’s modern sensibilities. Corgan described Yungblud’s work as having an “alien quality” that resonated with Generation X in America, and praised the artist’s commitment to artistic truth.
Corgan has also been vocal about his musical influences, recently naming Joy Division as the second most influential band of the 20th century, after The Beatles. He lauded Joy Division’s ability to create impactful pop music outside of the mainstream, and their lasting influence on subsequent generations of musicians. He also discussed his past collaborations with New Order, acknowledging their significant impact on his own musical journey.
The Smashing Pumpkins recently completed a seven-night residency at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, where they performed a reimagined version of their landmark album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness alongside a 60-piece orchestra. This residency coincided with the release of a 30th-anniversary deluxe reissue of Mellon Collie, featuring over 80 minutes of previously unreleased audio from the album’s 1996 tour.
The Gish reissue represents not only a celebration of the band’s debut album but also a testament to their enduring legacy and continued relevance in the contemporary music landscape. It’s a reminder of the album’s impact on the alternative rock scene and its lasting influence on generations of musicians.
Tracklist – ‘Gish’
Side One
1 – ‘I Am One’
2 – ‘Siva’
3 – ‘Rhinoceros’
4 – ‘Bury Me’
5 – ‘Crush’
Side Two
1 – ‘Suffer’
2 – ‘Snail’
3 – ‘Tristessa’
4 – ‘Window Paine’
5 – ‘Daydream’
