Corgan: Tommy Lee is up there with Bonham

Smashing Pumpkins mainman Billy Corgan says working with Motley Crue's Tommy Lee has given him a new appreciation of the drummer's abilities.

And he’s said the only other man who could play like Lee is late Led Zeppelin icon John Bonham.

Corgan revealed last week he’d brought in the sticksman to play on Monuments To An Elegy, one of two Pumpkins albums under production.

Now he says: “I’ve had the fortune of being in the room with some of the all-time greats, and when you’re that close to someone who is the best at what they do, you gain insight into the way they are able to communicate to so many.

“Let’s call it a universal language – which music is, obviously. In applying it with heart and soul they present intangibles that give dimension and depth to a composition which otherwise would not be as kaleidoscopic.

“Tommy hits the drums in a crushing manner; but as many fans know, this is not without nuance or reaction. He has a fantastic ear for music and plays with the songs in a means that only enhances excitement. The only other place I’ve heard this phenomena is with John Bonham, where heavy drums can sound soft and expressive. Good company indeed!”

Corgan, who first met Lee in 1991 and shares his interest in exploring electronic music, says he’s delighted at the results of their studio collaboration. “Not only did we have a blast, but the nine songs sound epic in a way that is indescribable,” he reports.

“I guess I could toss off hyperbole after pronoun, but it would sell short what I like to call ‘Supersonic Pumpkins’ – which is a descriptor in itself.”

Both his albums are set to be complete by August.

Tentative Monuments To An Elegy tracklist:

Being Beige (World’s On Fire)

Anti-Hero

Tiberius

Run To Me

One And All

Drum And Fife

Dorian

Monuments

Anaise

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.