When I was in 5th grade my Aunt took me birthday shopping. I had never heard of the Smashing Pumpkins, and I just randomly bought "Gish" on a whim. I went home and put it in my boom box and will never forget how blown away I was. I had never heard guitars, let alone sound, like it.

Now, at 22 years old, I know that the Pumpkins have been with me for forever and no other band has come close. I have felt an almost unexplainable connection to Billy's lyrics. They seem to capture any emotion I've ever felt. I could go on with my favorite songs...but my number one will always be "mayonaise." Billy anthemic fuzzy scream of "I just want to be...ME!" pretty much dominated how I lived my life throughout all of adolescence, and still does today.

I have a heartfelt connection to Billy and the Pumpkins. I have always proudly announced them as my favorite band...and they are my favorite far and away. I don't know where I would be in my life without the lyrics and music of Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins.