Billy Corgan Names Joy Division the Second Most Influential Band of the 20th Century

Billy Corgan touts Joy Division as the second most influential band of the 20th century, right after The Beatles.

Billy Corgan’s Bold Musical Declaration

If you’ve followed The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman Billy Corgan for any length of time, you know he doesn’t shy away from strong opinions. Recently, on a fascinating episode of the YouTube series Track Star, Corgan dropped a bombshell that sent ripples through the music world. After listening to a track, he confidently declared that only one band—the legendary Beatles—surpassed this act’s influence in the entire 20th century.

The band? None other than the Manchester post-punk pioneers, Joy Division.

Billy Corgan speaking passionately about Joy Division’s lasting influence.

Why Joy Division? The Impact Behind ‘Disorder’

The song that sparked this revelation was 'Disorder', the opening track from Unknown Pleasures—Joy Division’s debut album. For about two decades, Corgan has championed the idea that Joy Division crystallized post-punk like no other band before or since.

“So, I’ve argued for a good 20 years that probably outside of The Beatles, Joy Division is the most influential rock band of the 20th century,” Billy Corgan said during the episode.

The frontman sees Joy Division as the blueprint for countless bands that followed. Their sound wasn’t designed for mainstream pop success but rather shaped a raw, minimalist style that continues to resonate.

He elaborated:

“It’s pop music not made for a pop market and that’s why people are still listening. But where does that music go? They had what, one big song, maybe, which is ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart.’ But I just think they’re one of the greatest bands of all-time and it’s such an easy case for me to make that I don’t know how to make it.”

A Template for Generations: The Unheard Influence

Digging deeper, Corgan touched on the unique way Joy Division’s influence permeates music:

“Important bands like The Beatles and The Velvet Underground and Joy Division, they create a template by which other bands can create their own music. They’re basically ripping those bands off in an unskilled way but you don’t necessarily hear the influence.”

This paradox is fascinating—while you can hear Beatles’ echoes in countless artists, Joy Division’s impact is subtler, woven into the very fabric of production style and mood.

“There’s 400 Joy Division bands but you wouldn’t necessarily hear it. Even if they’re trying to imitate Joy Division, they kind of really can’t.”

He pointed out the enduring “post-pop minimalism” that Joy Division helped pioneer, a sound that lingered heavily in Chicago’s music scene and beyond.

A Fan’s Nod to Both Past and Present

In the same video, Corgan had some fun with newer bands, including New York’s Geese. He joked about a showdown between the Connecticut rock band Goose and Geese, calling it “Winner takes all.” It’s that playful side of Corgan that makes these candid moments feel like a chat between friends, music nerds sharing their obsessions.

A Lifelong Connection: Corgan’s Relationship with Joy Division and New Order

Billy Corgan’s admiration for Joy Division transcends just fandom; it’s personal. He’s had close ties with New Order—the band formed by the remaining members of Joy Division after Ian Curtis’s tragic death. Corgan lent his vocals to New Order’s 2001 song ‘Turn My Way’ and toured briefly with them that year across the UK, US, and Japan.

Adding to this intergenerational bond, Jack Bates, son of New Order’s bassist Peter Hook, has been touring with The Smashing Pumpkins as their bassist since 2015.

Peter Hook once humorously remarked on this in an interview:

“[Corgan]’s a massive Joy Division fan, and he repaid me by stealing my son! It just goes to show that you can’t trust anybody! He’s having a lovely time, he’s a chip off the old block. He’s the best bass player I’ve heard for a long time and I’m immensely proud of him. Billy has been absolutely wonderful.”

New Order’s ‘Alien Quality’ and Generational Resonance

Billy Corgan also delved into New Order’s unique appeal on a recent podcast, highlighting why their “alien quality” struck a chord with Generation X fans in the United States. This fascination only deepens the narrative of how Joy Division’s legacy morphed and evolved through New Order’s synth-infused, dance-oriented direction.

Celebrating a Legacy: The Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie Reimagined

Turning from the past to the present, The Smashing Pumpkins are celebrating their own landmark album in grand style. They have embarked on a seven-night residency at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, reimagining Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness with a 60-piece house orchestra. If you’ve ever wondered how a classic 90s alt-rock masterpiece sounds with full orchestral grandeur, this is the event to keep an eye on.

To cap it off, the band released a deluxe 30th anniversary edition of Mellon Collie, boasting a 6LP package with over 80 minutes of unreleased live material from their 1996 tour. It’s a treasure trove for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Billy Corgan reflected on the milestone with a mix of disbelief and excitement:

“It’s weird because I can’t believe it’s been 30 years. I’m really excited, but at the same time, I’m like ‘What happened over these last 30 years?’”

Wrapping It Up: Joy Division’s Quiet, Lasting Echo

Billy Corgan’s declaration about Joy Division might surprise some, but it’s a reminder of how influence doesn’t always shout—it sometimes whispers. The band’s minimalist, haunting sound has left an indelible mark on music history, second only to the unparalleled Beatles in Corgan’s view.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering those pulsing rhythms and moody vocals, Joy Division’s legacy is a fascinating journey through the power of understated innovation.

FAQ

• What song by Joy Division did Billy Corgan highlight in the interview?
  Corgan specifically mentioned ‘Disorder’, the opening track from Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures album.
• Why does Corgan believe Joy Division is so influential despite limited mainstream hits?
  He feels their music set a template for post-punk and alternative bands, influencing the sound and production style of many artists, even if not always overtly recognized.
• Has Billy Corgan ever collaborated with members of Joy Division or New Order?
  Yes, Corgan was a guest vocalist on New Order’s 2001 track ‘Turn My Way’ and toured briefly with the band.
• Who is Jack Bates and what’s his connection to The Smashing Pumpkins?
  Jack Bates is the son of New Order bassist Peter Hook and has been touring as the bassist for The Smashing Pumpkins since 2015.
• What recent project did The Smashing Pumpkins undertake to celebrate ‘Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness’?
  They performed a seven-night orchestral residency at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House and released a 30th anniversary deluxe edition with unreleased live recordings.

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