Kiki Wong has joined The Smashing Pumpkins as a guitarist following an open call for applications. The band simultaneously announced a 27-date arena tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'. The Smashing Pumpkins revealed The Rats In A Cage Tour will span North America, according to BLABBERMOUTH, Pitchfork, and Loudersound.
The tour combines a celebration of a 30-year-old album with the integration of a new guitarist. signaling both a look back at the band's legacy and a step forward with a revised lineup. The Smashing Pumpkins will embark on a North American tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, according to Consequence of Sound.
The 'Rats in a Cage Tour' appears designed to appeal to both long-standing fans and new audiences. This approach aims to ensure strong engagement and ticket sales. By framing Kiki Wong's debut within a 'Mellon Collie' anniversary tour, The Smashing Pumpkins are attempting to bypass potential fan skepticism, using the album's beloved status as a shield for a significant lineup change.
Tour Format and Dates Revealed
The 27-date 'Rats in a Cage Tour' begins September 30th at Columbus’ Schottenstein Center, according to Consequence of Sound. Each night will feature two unique sets. One set will include a selection of 'Mellon Collie' songs, and the second will draw from the band's wider catalog, Consequence of Sound reported. BLABBERMOUTH.NET states the tour will include the full 'Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness' album and a set of hits.
This comprehensive two-set format blends deep cuts from 'Mellon Collie' with a broader selection of the band's hits. The strategic two-set format suggests the band is not merely celebrating the past. It actively engineers a soft launch for new talent, integrating Wong into both the band's legacy and its ongoing narrative.
