Almost since the creation of grunge band, Smashing Pumpkins, front man Billy Corgan has been thinking about Zwan. The idea of another band came to him shortly after the release of Smashing Pumpkins debut album, Gish. Corgan was not very excited about the album; he turned to confidantes punk-metal group, Skunk. In the band, he found that he cliqued with guitarist Matt Sweeney. The two decided that one day they would put an album together. Every time the two were in each others town, they would jam and write music. The creation of Zwan finally began to unfold when Corgan announced the breaking up of the Smashing Pumpkins in 2000. Thus, he began to put a band together consisting of Jimmy Chamberlain on drums (original Smashing Pumpkin drummer), Matt Sweeney on guitar (Chavez, Skunk), and David Pajo as bassist then guitarist (Slint, Tortoise). Zwan debuted in November 2001 when they played four clubs in the Los Angeles and San Diego area. They then began to tour around the Mid-West of the United States. In April 2002, bassist Paz Lenchantin, from A Perfect Circle, was added to the group. Zwan soon signed a deal with Reprise Records. They group began recording in Corgan’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The group released their first single, “Honesty,” in November 2002. A few months later in January 2003, they released their debut album entitled Mary Star of the Sea. The album was produced by Alan Mowler (The Cure, U2, Lush, Nine Inch nails, Metallica, Marilyn Manson). At the same time of the album release, Zwan played five sold-out shows at the Metro in Chicago. The Metro was the same place, two years prior, that the Smashing Pumpkins played their last performance. Zwan, although having much potential, was not able to hit main stream due to the band breaking up in September 2003. Corgan announced that his ‘heart is still with the Smashing Pumpkins.’
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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