Just sitting here, enjoying the new year, enjoying the Paris Show; the show that revived the band I had wanted to hear for seven years. I cannot believe how truly awe-inspiring the show is, and it is even more satisfying to know I got to see such talent with my own eyes.

I cannot believe it has been a year since Billy posted his cryptic message on what would become this Web site. I honestly never thought we would get to see this rekindled band, but Billy and Jimmy made good on thier promise. Over the last year there have been so many highlights that have been thrilling to experience as a fan. Hearing Tarantula on the radio for the first time, seeing the new members of the band, witnessing the Paris show unravel (sadly I could not be in Paris myself, but I did get to see Roger Waters the same night so it is not a complete loss!), watching Smashing Pumpkins perform on the David Letterman show TWICE, the release of Zeitgeist, the residencies, hearing That's the Way (My Love Is) on the radio, seeing that video on television, FINALLY getting to see the band live. If this is the excitement from a fan's perspective, I can only imagine what the band themselves must feel like!

When I read Billy's blog that we would get new material in January I could not believe it. We had to wait seven years for Zeitgeist, it seemed impossible that we could get new material so quickly. However, I woke up early on January 2nd to download American Gothic off itunes, and I must say bravo. The EP is a perfect continuation of Zeitgeist, while at the same time adding a softer, gentler touch we have not seen from Smashing Pumpkins since Adore.

I have had a blast getting to know all the dedicated fans on this Web site, and hope that 2008 brings us a lot of good music.

First off, let me begin by saying that I was never one of those people that freaked out when the show was postponed. I was disappointed beyond words, but knew the show wold be rescheduled, and even if it was not, Jimmy's health was MUCH more important.

I got to the Fox Theater about an hour early, bought some t-shirts (the new Zero shirt and the one with the skeleton holding an atom bomb) and bought some soft drinks (like Billy I do not drink) and looked around the venue as I had not been there in almost ten years (time moves way too fast!)

The opening band, What Made Milwaukee Famous, was pretty good, however the venue was still half-empty and the people who were there were obviously more excited for Smashing Pumpkins. After the opening band finished, there was a 20 minute gap, and finally Billy came on.

Billy opened up with four acoustic songs (The Rose March, That's the Way (My Love Is), Disarm, and For God & Country), finally the whole band came on stage for United States. I will not go into the set-list, as that will be posted on here, but I will say that the band was incredibly tight with each other. I had heard the rumors that Billy was tired and unenergized and that Jeff and Ginger did not do anything, which was completely false. The band simply sounded amazing. The heavy, jam-oriented songs like Glass & the Ghost Children, Superchrist, and Heavy Metal Machine all seemed like they were way to short, even though a look at my watch revealed they lasted 10-15 minutes each!

Billy also seemed to be in great spirits. He joked with the audience about sports and places in Atlanta. He talked with audience members, and even invited all the young children (6 and under) to join the stage taking up a baby in his arms. The show ended with two acoustic encores (1979 and Perfect), a mimed apology from Jimmy, and Cherub Rock. I could not be anymore happier. Please come back soon!

I have finished watching the music video for That's the Way (My Love Is) many times, and have decided to post my opinions.

I though about writing a blog about the Tarantula video, but I did not as I do not think it needs a blog. That is not knocking the video for Tarantula, I loved it, however I think the video was just supposed to be a lot of fun and it succeeded at that perfectly. It seemed to be the band's way of saying "We're back and we're playing by our own rules now!"

The new music video defiantly has something going for it that is not visible immediately. I would tell you, but even I do not know yet!

My first reaction to the video was, well, I do not know. You may have read a post I made earlier where I compared it to Stand Inside Your Love and Try, Try, Try. I wrote that the videos seemed like a joke for Corgan. However it hit me, all these videos were terribly misunderstood (Stand Inside Your Love lost The Smashing Pumpkins a manager!) but are all now looked at as Smashing Pumpkins classic videos.

I guess my point is that this is a music video that will take some time to dissect. The initial reactions seem to be that the video is A. a take on modern technology and B. A shout-out to D'arcy. These are all great interpretations, but I have a feeling there is still much more to it. I guess we will just have to keep watching it, which does not bother me at all because it is a beautiful video.

I am thrilled to say I got tickets to see The Smashing Pumpkins in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre on October 30th. This will be my first Smashing Pumpkins concert. Needless to say, I am thrilled beyond words.