Smashing Pumpkins and Velvet Crush at CBGB (02-12-1991)

On February 12th, 1991, the Smashing Pumpkins and Velvet Crush played at CBGB! This performance by the young Smashing Pumpkins, who had yet to release their debut album Gish, follows their February 8th, 1991 appearance at Maxwell’s, which we shared back in 2018. According to D’arcy Wretzky’s between-song banter, this show at CBGB’s was the band’s first-ever appearance in New York City. They’d return to CBGB’s (with Hole) and Maxwell’s that summer.

The great Velvet Crush was certainly on their game for this gig. In October of 1991, the band released their first LP, In The Presence of Greatness, on Creation Records. It was produced by Matthew Sweet.

Smashing Pumpkins Setlist:

  1. Morning Jam

  2. Siva

  3. Slunk

  4. Rhinoceros

  5. Bury Me

  6. I Am One

  7. Window Paine

  8. Snail

  9. Out of Focus [Blue Cheer]

  10. Tristessa