After a long-awaited return, The Smashing Pumpkins finally rocked Jakarta with their electrifying performance in the Rock Invasion concert, held at JIEXPO Kemayoran Hall A2–A3, Central Jakarta, on Friday (October 3, 2025). The Chicago-based alternative rock legends proved once again that their music continues to resonate deeply with fans—decades after their debut.
While frontman Billy Corgan kept stage banter to a minimum, the emotional connection he built through the music was undeniable. He occasionally shouted “Jakarta!” with fiery spirit, sending waves of excitement through the crowd.
Guitarist James Iha added a special touch by greeting fans in Bahasa Indonesia, earning cheerful applause:
“Selamat malam, terima kasih.” (Good evening, thank you.)
Timeless Anthems, A Night Full of Nostalgia
From the very first note, The Smashing Pumpkins ignited the crowd with anthems that defined a generation, including:
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“1979”
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“Bullet with Butterfly Wings”
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“Today”
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“Mayonaise”
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“Disarm”
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“Tonight, Tonight”
With nearly 20 songs performed throughout the night, the concert became both a celebration for longtime fans and an epic introduction for a new generation discovering the band through streaming platforms.
Minimalist Stage, Monumental Sound
Visually, the stage design was kept simple—no giant LED screens or flashy theatrics. Instead, a well-executed lighting setup provided the atmosphere, shifting dynamically to match each song’s mood.
What truly stood out was the sound quality—powerful, clear, and immersive. Every drum beat, guitar riff, and Billy Corgan’s signature vocals came through with a richness that filled the entire hall.
Part of the Global Rock Invasion 2025 Tour
Jakarta marked one of the key stops on The Smashing Pumpkins’ Rock Invasion 2025 world tour, which kicked off in Japan on September 15 and will wrap up in Bahrain on October 7. After Indonesia, the band continues their Southeast Asian leg with shows in Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.
This Jakarta concert also marked their first return to Indonesia since Java Rockin’ Land 2010, making the night even more meaningful for fans.
An Epic Finale
The band closed out the night with a powerful performance of “The Everlasting Gaze”, ending the concert on a high note. The final chords echoed like a seal on a night full of energy, emotion, and musical magic.
This concert proved that The Smashing Pumpkins remain a force to be reckoned with. In a constantly evolving music landscape, they stand strong as icons of alternative rock—and on this unforgettable night, Jakarta bore witness to a band that still burns as bright as ever.
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