1988 Billy meets James through a friend. They meet D'Arcy on
the street and begin writing songs. Jimmy is recommended by a friend and The Smashing Pumpkins are formed.
1988 October 5th: The Smashing Pumpkins play their first gig at the Metro in Chicago. They earn $50.00.
1989 "I Am One" debut single released, the band's first single as a four piece.
1990 December: Sub Pop releases single of the month, "Tristessa."
1991 Band releases debut CD Gish on Caroline Records, produced by Butch Vig and Billy Corgan. Certified platinum in the U.S.; 1.5 million sales worldwide.
1991 The Smashing Pumpkins tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers. Later that year, Pearl Jam tour with the band.
1992 "Drown" appears on Singles movie soundtrack.
1993 July: Band releases Siamese Dream, their debut for Virgin Records. Certified 4 times platinum in U.S.; 5.5 million sales worldwide.
1994 Summer: Band headlines Lollapalooza Tour, the most successful year in Lollapalooza history.
1994 October: Band releases b-sides and rarities collection, Pisces Iscariot. Certified platinum in U.S.; 1.5 million sales worldwide.
1994 Spin names The Smashing Pumpkins "Artist of the Year."
1995 Band releases double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Certified 8 times platinum in U.S.; 11 million worldwide.
1995 July 13th: Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin departs band.
1995 Time names Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Album of the Year.
1996 Band wins Billboard Music Award for Best Rock Act.
1996 Band wins seven MTV Video Music Awards for "Tonight, Tonight" and the Best Alternative Video award for "1979."
1996 Band releases The Aeroplane Flies High box set. Certified platinum in U.S.
1997 Readers of Rolling Stone and Request vote Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Album of the Year.
1997 Band wins American Music Award for Favorite Alternative Artist.
1997 Band wins Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."
1997 Spring: Band records two songs for Batman and Robin movie soundtrack.
1997 Band wins Spin Awards for Best Band, Best Album (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness) and Best Video ("Tonight, Tonight").
1998 June 2nd: Band releases Adore on Virgin Records, produced by Billy Corgan. Album certified platinum in U.S. Goes on to sell 3 million copies worldwide.
1998 Band wins Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, "The End Is The Beginning Is The End."
1998 Band embarks on unprecedented European tour which features shows at non-traditional and unique outdoor venues, such as Hamburg's Red Light district, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, and the Stockholm Zoo.
1998 Summer: Band plays and finances fifteen date sold-out National Charity Tour, raising over $2.6 million for various regional charities.
1999 Billy Corgan composes score for the film Stigmata with longtime Bowie pianist and composer Mike Garson.
1999 April: Former drummer Jimmy Chamberlin rejoins band for Arising! club tour.
1999 September: Bassist D'Arcy Wretzky departs band.
1999 October: Former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur joins band for world tour.
1999 December: "The Everlasting Gaze," the first single from MACHINA/the machines of God, debuts at radio.
2000 January 7th: Band embarks on European club tour.
2000 February 29th: Band releases MACHINA / the machines of God on Virgin Records, produced by Flood and Billy Corgan.
Tragedy occurred in 2001 when The
Smashing Pumpkins, the greatest rock band of the 90's to many people, disbanded after over 10 years together
