The Smashing Pumpkins -- Night #2 at the Wang Theater Boston (11/16/2008)

What a difference a day makes.

Last night's performance earns an exactly opposite review. In addition to an amazing setlist, Corgan and the rest of the band acted as they normally do -- appreciate of the crowd, thoughtful, thankful, and grateful. Much like last year's Orpheum performance, last night ranks as one of my all time favorite concerts of any band. I was left in awe as expected, but also shocked because of the rarity of some set list elements.

I told my show-mate last night, "I will skip anything for this." And I say that with as much weight as anything similar that has been previously verbalized in my life. That unexplainable euphoria is what I live for and make it impossible for me to understand anyone that does not posess a deeply vested interest in music. How could you not? Really.

It's also life-inspiring. For me, this sort of experience is something I can never give up but one that I need. My personal motivation and drive depend on its occurrence and ever-lasting effects.

More specifically, I'd like to talk about Jimmy Chamberlain. By all accounts, he is one of the best drummers of all time. A recorded clip does no justice to the site that he is live -- masterfully pounding a way yet making it look effortless. His playing can only be described as a unreal site. But, he has hit significant bumps along the road, dealing with a heavy drug addiction that nearly ruined his life for good. Had his value not been realized again, it very likely would have been his death sentence. He was, however, able to piece himself back together and move forward with a career involving his one true passion.

It serves as a reminder that we all have that one true passion, and if nothing else, we're meant to fulfill it. I am optimistic that I will.

In any case, my apologies for the thoughts on life -- I just spent the last three nights at concerts with great friends, and I can't fathom a better way to spend my time.

-- C --