The Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Chicago's Lollapalooza for the First Time

*Billy Corgan attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 55th Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 11, 2026 in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)*

After decades of waiting, The Smashing Pumpkins are finally set to headline Lollapalooza in their hometown of Chicago.

The band previously performed at Lollapalooza in 1994 when the festival was still a touring event, but they have not appeared since it became a permanent Chicago festival in 2005. Their 2026 performance will also mark the first time The Smashing Pumpkins have played at Grant Park, the longtime home of the festival.

Speaking with ABC Audio, frontman Billy Corgan reflected on the significance of the moment and explained why the band had never previously performed at the venue.

"We were banned by the mayor of Chicago at the time, Richie Daley, who basically banned us from playing the park, ever," Corgan said.

That changes this year as The Smashing Pumpkins take the stage as a Friday night headliner during Lollapalooza 2026.

"For us, it's very meaningful," Corgan said. "We've had a lot of ups and downs and it's gonna be really a beautiful night in our incredible, crazy, up-and-down history."

Lollapalooza 2026 takes place Thursday through Sunday, with The Smashing Pumpkins' performance and many other festival sets available to stream live on Hulu and Disney+.

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point.