Billy Corgan has often been a divisive figure among the rock community because he speaks his mind about how music is made. Some people don't care for that.
But the Smashing Pumpkins' frontman only gets pushback about his musical opinions. The level does not compare to the kind of dislike Marilyn Manson has received for the many accusations he has faced about physical assault. In fact, Manson is viewed by many as a stain on the music industry.
That includes UK Councillor Anton Georgiou calling for Wembley Stadium to reconsider booking Manson for a 2027 scheduled event where he will open for Slipknot. Whether the accusations are true or not (and we are definitely not in a position to judge here), Manson's presence often detracts from the excitement of future concerts.
Billy Corgan explains why he remains friends with Marilyn Manson
But Corgan has remained friends with Manson through all the accusations, and many might wonder why. The answer is that he is a Christian and believes that passing judgment isn't something he should be doing to another human being.
Corgan spoke about the issue on a recent episode of Popcast, saying, "I think that ultimately, as a Christian person - how can I put it? - you have to stand by your friends. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion, and that doesn’t mean you’re not critical...But I guess it’s one of those things where I don’t -- I don’t want the world to tell me who my friends are and who I should associate with."
Will that make some people not want to listen to Corgan's music -- a kind of guilty-by-association approach? Maybe. Every person has a right to their own opinion, of course.
At this point, Marilyn Manson is still scheduled to support Slipknot in London on July 3 next year, and also on all four of the dates Slipknot will be performing in South America. Manson is also scheduled to face trial in November next year to answer charges of assault brought by a former personal assistant.
Will the outcome of that trial affect Corgan's view of his friend? They have had the friendship for three decades, and nothing that is revealed might change that.
In more positive news about Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins, the band is currently on their Rats in a Cage tour, which is to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of their excellent album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The shows run through November 12 and will be followed by the group performing at two festivals.
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