"We are all rock and roll machines !" That was Billy Corgan's anthem of the night, making us all think of something we might never be, or ever hope to experience ! It was in the middle of this dramatic "Rock & Roll" show that Mr Corgan proclaimed us all -Himself, the band (Guitarist Jeff Schroeder, Bassist Ginger Reyes, Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin) and his followers a part of his show. Of course the evening didn't start there. It was a rescheduled show from Nov 2, 07 (With Drummer Chamberlin taking some medical time off). When the lights went down in Austin, the band showed and Billy and the rest of his mates took off on a high flying ride of "USA". An awesome display of lights, camera, action, spitting out venom that most bands would only dream of getting bit by. At the end of the spectacular opening Billy exclaimed "I'm glad there are still people that want to hear live music ! " The venue "The Backyard" in the SW corner of Austin and hid between HWY 71 and the Shops at the Galleria is an urban mixture outdoor concert hall. I had to laugh when the parking attendant explained to me, "Parking is straight ahead - If you follow the guy in front of you and turn right you'll be going to the city council meeting !" Well, to tell you the truth I did go to a city council meeting but it was a different type and cause meeting of the minds, it was for rock & roll, and all the issues came out. With the meeting started Billy and the rest of the band fired off hit after hit, mixing older songs with new titles, fading memories with new inspirations. Just at that point the show slowed for a two song accoustic set. The anthem "1979" and it's sister song "Perfect", and it was ! Playing songs from early to present hitting classics as Tonight, Tonight, Bullet, Zero, Starla, Hummer, Stand Inside Your Love, & Today. The magic of the night was a revamped version of "Heavy Metal Machine" in which Billy took us into another demension with the band. The song never ended so it seemed, you wanted more and more. It was a display of talent one rarely gets to see on stage, and so it was, Billy holding us in his hand touching each and everyone of us in his own way. After the 1st encore the Pumpkins came out to do one more show. The front man for the Frogs was lead out onstage and Billy told a story about their meeting back in Madison, Wi in 1990 during the Pumpkins 1st CD recording. What followed was a play down with Billy taking on bass and The Frogs lead man doing the lead on "Taxman". It was a fun time and a moment shared by the band with the fans. I thought I was in a hotel room watching as the two went at it, chord after chord, what a talent they both have ! In the end, "Disarm" was the final call. After 2 hours and 20 minutes and the final note, Billy had to let everyone know, this was the last song. We didn't want to leave, after an experience like that you try to hold onto the moment put that in your mind and continue on with life knowing for one night "We were all ROCK & ROLL MACHINES !"