Alt-rock heroes headline Fox Theater

After spending a better part of the '90s redefining electric guitar rock with his hugely successful band the Smashing Pumpkins, songwriter Billy Corgan took steps in a decidedly different direction both with his group Zwan and on his first proper solo release, 2005's 'The Future Embrace.' But since Corgan had taken out a full-page ad in Chicago Tribune revealing his desire to reform the Smashing Pumpkins just prior to the tour supporting that album, many fans held out for the inevitable resurrection of the group that came to fruition with the 2007 album 'Zeitgeist.'

Though critics weren't kind to that effort, the chance to see Corgan and longtime collaborator Jimmy Chamberlin on the drums alongside new members playing classic Pumpkins tunes as well as new material was too much for local fans to resist as Corgan and company quickly sold out this 11-night run of shows at the Fillmore. Chamberlin has since departed the group, leaving Corgan to find not just a new drummer but put together an entirely revamped line-up of the band with guitarist Jeff Schroeder (a member since 2007), drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino. While Corgan embarked on one of his most ambitious effort in 2009 -- the projected 44-song cycle entitled 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' built around the tarot and set to be issued in 11 installments while being made available for free download on song at a time on the band's website -- the Pumpkins latest effort 'Oceania' is reportedly a return to both the traditional album format and the earlier sound of the band heard on the classic '90s collections 'Gish' and 'Siamese Dream.' The band plays this sold-out show at the Fox Theater with Fancy Space People and Light FM.

Smashing Pumpkins Friday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $45 (sold out) Fox Theater