The Smashing Pumpkins have officially announced the Rats in a Cage tour, a sprawling North American concert run that promises to bridge the band’s storied past with its current creative chapter. As the alternative rock icons prepare to hit the road this fall, fans can expect a performance structure that leans heavily into the band’s legacy, specifically honoring the 30th anniversary of their seminal 1995 double album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
For those tracking the band’s recent history, the Rats in a Cage tour marks a significant moment of transition. Following the 2024 release of Aghori Mhori Mei, the band’s most recent studio effort, the group has solidified a new lineup. This tour serves as a high-profile introduction for guitarist Kiki Wong, who joined the band earlier this year after an unconventional and highly publicized open call for applications. The search was initiated following the departure of longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder, and the inclusion of Wong signals a deliberate effort by frontman Billy Corgan to redefine the band’s live energy.
The tour is designed to offer a dual-perspective look at the group’s discography. According to the band’s official tour announcement, each show will feature two unique sets. The first will center on the expansive, melancholic soundscapes of the Mellon Collie era, while the second will focus on what the band describes as a collection of unruly hits and dark treasures. This programming choice aims to satisfy both the casual listener seeking nostalgia and the dedicated follower interested in the deeper, more obscure corners of the Smashing Pumpkins’ catalog.
A New Era and a Legacy Reimagined
The decision to hold an open audition for a new guitarist was a departure from typical industry standards, which usually see bands relying on established session players or professional networks. By casting a wider net, the Smashing Pumpkins brought Kiki Wong into the fold, a move that has been viewed by critics as a way to inject fresh perspective into a band that has been a pillar of the alternative rock scene for over three decades. The release of Aghori Mhori Mei earlier this year underscored this shift, moving away from some of the more polished production choices of their previous records in favor of a rawer, guitar-driven sound.
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This tour also follows a period of renewed critical interest in the band’s early work. Much of the discourse surrounding the group has recently revisited the cultural impact of their 1993 masterpiece, Siamese Dream, which continues to be cited as a definitive record of the nineties. By pairing the anniversary celebration of Mellon Collie with their current output, the band is effectively placing their legacy in a continuous timeline, suggesting that the “infinite sadness” of their nineties peak remains a relevant foundation for their present-day compositions.
The Rats in a Cage Tour Dates
The tour is scheduled to begin in late September and conclude in mid-November, covering major arenas across the United States, and Canada. The following list details the confirmed stops for the upcoming leg of the tour:
- 09-30 Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
- 10-02 Boston, MA – TD Garden
- 10-03 Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
- 10-04 Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
- 10-06 Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
- 10-07 Hamilton, Ontario – TD Coliseum
- 10-09 Montreal, Quebec – Bell Centre
- 10-11 Madison, WI – Kohl Center
- 10-13 Saint Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
- 10-14 Chicago, IL – United Center
- 10-16 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
- 10-17 Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
- 10-18 Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
- 10-20 Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- 10-22 Nashville, TN – The Truth
- 10-24 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
- 10-25 Austin, TX – Moody Center
- 10-27 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
- 10-29 Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
- 10-30 Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
- 11-01 Portland, OR – Moda Center
- 11-03 Calgary, Alberta – Scotiabank Saddledome
- 11-05 Vancouver, British Columbia – Rogers Arena
- 11-06 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
- 11-08 San Jose, CA – SAP Center
- 11-11 Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
- 11-12 Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
- 11-14 Huntington Beach, CA – Darker Waves
What Fans Should Expect
Beyond the setlist, the Rats in a Cage tour is expected to lean into the theatrical elements that have characterized the Smashing Pumpkins’ most ambitious tours. The logistical scale of performing two distinct sets per night suggests a long-form performance that prioritizes immersion. For those attending, the focus will be on how the band balances the high-fidelity expectations of their mid-nineties hits with the more experimental, abrasive textures of their 2024 material.
Ticket demand is expected to be high, particularly for the Chicago date at the United Center, given the band’s deep historical roots in the city. Fans are encouraged to check the band’s official website for verified ticket vendor information and any potential updates regarding VIP packages or local venue policies. As with any large-scale tour, attendees should monitor local venue announcements for specific entry requirements, as these can vary significantly between states and provinces.
The band has not yet announced plans for international dates beyond the current North American leg, and official statements have remained focused on the immediate fall schedule. The tour serves as a critical checkpoint for the Smashing Pumpkins, marking their first major outing with the new lineup and a test of how effectively they can synthesize thirty years of history into a cohesive, modern concert experience. We invite our readers to share their memories of the Mellon Collie era or their thoughts on the band’s evolution in the comments section below.
