Smashing Pumpkins finally get their Lollapalooza moment

Flashback: They played Lolla in 1994 at the World Music Theater in Tinley Park before the festival moved to its downtown home in Grant Park.

What they're saying: "The universe is righting itself," former Q-101 host and current Car Con Carne podcast host James VanOsdol tells Axios.

• "For everyone who said, 'guitars and rock are dead,' or 'Lollapalooza doesn't care about its heritage,' we can all agree this is a step in the right direction."

Friction point: The festival has a spotty track record when it comes to elevating Chicago acts. Several bands and artists have appeared on lineups, but they've rarely headlined in the festival's 22 years in the city.

• Notable exceptions include Kanye West, Wilco and Chance the Rapper.

Yes, but: Lollapalooza was built on alternative rock and few bands define that era more than the Smashing Pumpkins.

• Peers like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Green Day have all headlined several times.

Zoom in: The homecoming is happening as Corgan is having a renaissance, thanks in part to his podcast "The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan," and his recent opera at the Lyric.

• Lyric announced Wednesday that Corgan was elected to its Board of Directors.

• Also, the band welcomed back guitarist James Iha last year for its tour, which reunites him with bandmates Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain. Original bassist D'Arcy Wretzky is not returning.

Between the lines: Still, it's hard to believe the Pumpkins have never graced the Grant Park stage.

• It could be Corgan himself, too. The rock star has talked about his complicated relationship with the music industry, including his disdain for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has yet to nominate the band.
• It also could be because the Pumpkins have been a staple at Lolla's competitor, Riot Fest. The last time the band played in Douglass Park was in 2021.

The bottom line: No more infinite sadness. The Pumpkins are headliners once again.