Smashing Pumpkins and Janes Addiction at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC – October 18, 2022

Smashing Pumpkins embarked on an impressive tour this year with Jane’s Addiction and Poppy in tow. On the 11th stop of this run, the bands graced their presence at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Fun fact for this review: I was at a Capitals hockey game the night before the show, and the Pumpkins were there as well, watching from a suite!

Janes Addiction

Due to the hellacious and wonderful thing that is DC traffic, I missed Poppy’s set. I was just in time, however, for Jane’s Addiction. Ever since my older sister introduced me to their music, I’ve been dying to see them, and I wasn’t disappointed. Although Dave Navarro was unfortunately not on this tour due to long COVID symptoms, Queen of the Stone Age’s Troy Van Leeuwen filled in for the missing guitarist. While Troy did a phenomenal job, nothing could replace Dave’s presence. This tour also marks the grand return of original bassist, Eric Avery, who was highly energetic on stage, and just so mesmerizing to watch. As for the set, Jane’s Addiction did not pull back any punches, using incredible visuals for their digital backdrops and Vegas showgirls dancing behind drummer Stephen Perkins.

Smashing Pumpkins

Finally, the moment we were all waiting for: Smashing Pumpkins. The arena filled up more and more with each passing moment. The crowd released cheers when the large star above the stage ignited, being tested before the bandhit the stage. The excitement was certainly palpable. Then it was time.

Smashing Pumpkins started with a montage on the screen behind them before diving right into their set. Their music brought back a certain nostalgia, especially from the 1990s to the 2000s. There were times where the crowd almost drowned out the band when they played their hits. They even played a Talking Heads cover, “Once in a Lifetime.” Throughout their set, they performed songs from their latest album, Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts.

I could go on about how amazing the show was, however, I will sound like a broken record. Smashing Pumpkins has a number of dates left on this run so be sure to get a ticket to a show near you. You will not be disappointed.