The Smashing Pumpkins announced "The Rats In A Cage Tour," a North American arena trek celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1995 album [1], [2].
This tour marks a significant milestone for the band as it commemorates one of the most successful double-albums of the 1990s. By revisiting this specific era, the group targets both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
The tour is scheduled to begin in July 2026 [2], [3] and will run through the fall of 2026 [2], [3]. The performances will take place at various arena venues across North America, including a stop at Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena [2], [4].
Each concert will feature a unique format consisting of two separate sets [4]. This structure allows the band to cover the expansive nature of "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," which was originally released as a double-disc project in 1995 [1].
Billy Corgan, the band's frontman, said that this specific production had been a long-term goal for the group. "Staging a Mellon Collie‑themed show is something we’ve discussed for over a decade, and finally the stars have aligned," Corgan said [1].
While some reports describe the trek as a fall tour [2], others confirm the schedule begins in the summer months [3]. The tour serves as the primary celebration for the 30th anniversary of the record [2].
“"Staging a Mellon Collie‑themed show is something we’ve discussed for over a decade, and finally the stars have aligned."”
The decision to perform a two-set show reflects the massive scale of 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' an album known for its length and diversity. By scheduling the tour in 2026, the band is extending the anniversary celebration beyond the calendar year of the 30th milestone, utilizing a high-capacity arena format to maximize the commercial reach of their legacy catalog.
