Yungblud and Billy Corgan Release Intense ‘Zombie’ Remix
Yungblud released a new rendition of “Zombie” featuring The Smashing Pumpkins just last week. The collaboration was teased by the British musician on his Instagram account a day before the drop, sharing monochromatic images of himself alongside Billy Corgan. In the caption, Yungblud announced the release with the message, “Zombie with The Smashing Pumpkins OUT NOW. Happy new year.” Corgan responded to the post with two heart emojis.
Reflecting on the creative process behind the song, Yungblud revealed that he drew inspiration from The Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic album Siamese Dream. He highlighted the blend of sorrow, melancholy, and aggression present in Corgan’s guitar work as influential in shaping the track. Initially, Yungblud had envisioned a heavier rendition of the song, but he later sought Corgan’s input to strike a balance and avoid mirroring The Smashing Pumpkins’ signature sound too closely. The singer emphasized the importance of capturing both an optimistic, lively side and a darker, more aggressive aspect in the song.
Following their discussions, Yungblud traveled to Chicago to record the revised version of “Zombie” with Corgan. The track is featured on Yungblud’s most recent album, Idols, which made its debut in June of the previous year. Idols quickly climbed to the top of the U.K. Albums Chart and secured the 15th spot on Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. Notably, “Zombie” garnered a nomination for best rock song at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards, while Idols itself was recognized with a nomination for best rock album.
This collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins marks the second time Yungblud has joined forces with a rock band. His previous collaboration with Aerosmith on “My Only Angel” from the One More Time EP reached the number one position on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. The music video for “Zombie” premiered at different times across various global locations, allowing fans worldwide to experience the visual accompaniment to the song.
Overall, Yungblud’s artistic evolution and willingness to explore new creative avenues through collaborations with esteemed rock acts like The Smashing Pumpkins and Aerosmith demonstrate his versatility as a musician. The success of his recent releases and the critical acclaim he has garnered further solidify his position as a rising star in the music industry.