I have been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since I was a little girl in my bedroom listening to my dad’s Walkman under my desk. I heard ‘Zero’ on the radio and I was hooked for life!
I am now a musician living in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. My music project, Glass Aeros, is heavily influenced by The Smashing Pumpkins. I am still going to shows feeling that same magical wonder as I have always had.
The Machines of God Tour was exceptional as I had not only a deep connection to the band and the Machina Era, a local musician, Kid Tigrrr, was selected to play bass and backing vocals! Watching this tour develop was an exciting and emotional experience.
As the tour started I was watching online through reels and stories in anticipation. The only show I was able to attend was in Cleveland at the House of Blues. It was also the day before my birthday and the perfect way to kick off the celebration!
The show was spectacular, I had tears in my eyes as The Machines of God took the stage. It was beautiful to see Kid Tigrrr sing alongside Billy and rock along with the band. Seeing Kiki’s supportive energy and enthusiasm was special to me as I love seeing other female musicians uplift each other.
Billy threw a pick into the crowd, it was intercepted by the person directly in front of me which was disheartening. Later, his children joined him on stage and his son Augustus was throwing picks into the crowd. One fell near me and I was on the ground feeling around for it. I had it under the palm of my hand and a girl that was also looking grabbed my hand with both of hers trying to pry it from beneath my hand. After shooting my cold goth stare at her she let me go. It was an experience that shook me, especially since I suffer from PTSD. I was in disbelief of how animalistic people can be at concerts!
After the show I joined friends that had attended the show to support Kid Tigrrr. We were able to take a moment to congratulate her before she had to hop back on the bus.
Caught in the whirlwind of excitement, I completely forgot to buy all the merch I wanted and I am hoping it will be for sale online soon. I preordered the Machina reissue on red and black vinyl and I’m anxiously anticipating its arrival.
Overall it was one of the best performances I have ever witnessed. I looked up to the Machines of God and saw the stars shining oh so bright. With all of their many talents combined they were strong, heartfelt, and epic.
In the following weeks I have carried their brilliance reverberating through me. I feel immensely inspired and motivated to keep going on my own musical path wherever it may take me.
✨🖤✨
Judy June of Glass Aeros