Billy Corgan is an American singer-songwriter, musician and entrepreneur, primarily known for being the frontman of the musical group the Smashing Pumpkins.

Corgan also has interests in professional wrestling, having been the president of the National Wrestling Alliance since 2017. After thirteen years and six studio albums, the Pumpkins went their separate ways on December 2, 2000.

In 2001, the band's latest album, Machina II/The Friends and Enemies of Modern Music, was released. The Pumpkins, now at odds with the record company, recorded the album on 25 vinyl records and distributed it for free via the internet. That same year he accompanied New Order as second guitarist for the entire tour

Also in 2001, Corgan formed Zwan, along with Jimmy Chamberlin, guitarists Matt Sweeney and David Pajo, and former A Perfect Circle bassist Paz Lenchantin. In 2003 the album Mary Star of the Sea was released. A little later Corgan announced the breakup of the group.

Corgan thus began to think about a solo career. On April 19, 2004 he played 12 acoustic songs at the Metro, while on June 21, 2005 TheFutureEmbrace, his first solo album, was released, preceded by a promotional tour. Meanwhile, in 2002, he played a cameo in the film Spun.