Frontman of the group Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corganopenly expressed his displeasure at being often overlooked on lists of the greatest guitarists of all time. He stated that critics often underestimate his contribution to music.
As the founder and main songwriter, Corgan shaped the sound of the nineties with his aggressive playing style. His songs like “Cherub Rock” and “Tonight, Tonight” brought the band great critical success. In the conversation for Guitar WorldCorgan highlighted his displeasure at being regularly absent from similar lists. “Usually they don’t even put me on those lists,” he said, “or they put me behind someone I could outplay.”
In the band, along with guitarist James Ih, Corgan’s playing was characterized by heavy tones filled with distortion and reverb, and he was often responsible for the solo parts. Corgan expressed his understanding of why others receive accolades, but is frustrated that he rarely gets the respect he feels he deserves.
“I watched Eddie Van Halen play up close, totally amazed,” Corgan admitted. And he added: “My father was a great guitarist. I have no problem admitting the greatest among them.”
Although the lists often favor guitarists from earlier decades, some of Corgan’s contemporaries, such as Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, still receive recognition. Corgan is unhappy that his creativity is not being noticed enough, adding that “they don’t want to believe that one person can achieve all that.”
Source: balkanrock.com
