I was nine years old - lost and in a new town. Belittled by many - a life tormented at a tender age - I looked for new things, new vents for my unreleased emotions. My friend's big sister had just bought an album called "Gish" by a band called The Smashing Pumpkins - it was all she listened to - thus eventually exposing me. I don't know what happened but I was instantly hooked. I begged and got my own copy. I wore the first tape out within a month and had to buy another one. Every emotion felt - every thought that has come and passed - has been expressed through the music of the Pumpkins. I am now 25 and still stand by the Pumpkins - the most creative, intuitive, emotionally honest band I have ever seen and heard. I am a fan for life.