Yungblud teams up with Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins to create a heavier version of ‘Zombie’
Yungblud has ushered in the new year with a bold creative move, presenting a revamped, heavier rendition of his track Zombie in partnership with Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins. This fresh iteration of the song is set for a global release on January 2 at midnight, accompanying a corresponding music video, marking a rare connection between one of today’s vocal young rock figures and one of alternative music’s leading pioneers.
The collaboration between Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins has been steadily gaining momentum in the past few weeks, arising from rumors and subtle hints, opting for a low-key introduction rather than a flashy live debut. By holding back on a grand unveiling of the new Zombie version, the artists have allowed excitement to build naturally. The lack of an elaborate public performance premiere has only heightened the curiosity surrounding how the track’s intensified, darker tone will resonate in a live setting.
For Yungblud, also known as Dominic Harrison, working with Corgan fulfills a longstanding creative aspiration. He disclosed that Zombie initially took shape under the influence of The Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic 1993 album Siamese Dream, a record acclaimed for its fusion of vulnerability, deep melodies, and powerful guitar sounds. Initially, Yungblud intentionally softened the arrangement of Zombie, veering away from its heavier roots to avoid feeling too derivative. Nevertheless, the idea to revisit the song in a raw, authentic form lingered, leading to a direct collaboration with the artist who shaped that sonic space.
Corgan’s participation brings with it a legacy built on years of trailblazing musical work with The Smashing Pumpkins. From the intricate guitar textures of Siamese Dream to the grandeur of Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness, Corgan has consistently balanced melancholy with aggression, themes that mirror Yungblud’s own emotive intensity. This shared emotional core serves as the basis for the revitalized Zombie, playing with contrasts of light and dark, hope and bitterness.
Once the decision to proceed was made, the recording process unfolded swiftly. The collaborators reconvened within days to re-record the track and shoot a new music video, capturing a moment of creative zeal rather than prolonged revision. The result is a rendition of Zombie that delves deeper into its emotional essence, amplifying its depth without losing the captivating melody that initially resonated with audiences.
The formal announcement of The Smashing Pumpkins’ involvement was unveiled on social media, acknowledging the collaboration and transforming lingering rumors into a shared occasion. A brief teaser clip shared online offered glimpses of the visual and sonic direction, sparking discussions without fully revealing the project’s scope. This deliberate teasing has positioned the release as an event driven by curiosity instead of overwhelming exposure.
Yungblud’s proclamation on the first day of the new year framed the release as both a gift and a declaration of intent. Images shared with the announcement depicted him alongside Corgan and the entire band, emphasizing that this collaboration transcends mere symbolism to represent a genuine creative partnership. The staggered release times globally reflect the broad international audience that both artists attract, with Australia and Japan receiving the track on January 3 due to differing time zones.
This collaboration comes at a time when Yungblud continues expanding his creative connections, aligning with established figures in rock history through various high-profile projects. Rather than looking back nostalgically, Zombie with The Smashing Pumpkins is positioned as a link bridging generations through shared emotional expression and musical vision. As fans anticipate the release of the revamped version, the absence of a live unveiling adds to the intrigue. The focus remains on the raw recording itself, a weightier, edgier iteration of a song always meant to carry profound emotional weight.