Although Halloween and pumpkin season are over, the Smashing Pumpkins rock band made a rare appearance on The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration to perform a classic Christmas song. This unexpected performance was part of the network’s two-hour special, which also showcased musical acts such as Michael Bolton, Tori Kelly, and Robin Thicke. The event, hosted by siblings Derek and Julianne Hough, featured a mix of holiday music and Disney-themed segments.
Viewers were surprised to see the Pumpkins performing at such an event, given their alternative rock background. However, the band’s rendition of Bing Crosby’s “Silver Bells” did not disappoint. Frontman Billy Corgan led the performance with his star-stamped acoustic guitar, adding a unique touch to the classic song. Corgan also mentioned the band’s original Christmas song, “Evergreen,” which unfortunately did not make it to the broadcast.
The Journey from MTV to Disney
The Smashing Pumpkins, known for their iconic status in the 1990s, have continued to leave their mark on the music industry with multiple awards and millions of albums sold. Despite their rebellious image, Corgan’s deep love for Disney made the band’s appearance on the family-friendly special a natural fit. In fact, Corgan has called himself a “Disney mark” due to his extensive collection of Disney memorabilia.
Corgan’s nostalgic connection to Disneyland was also highlighted, particularly an infamous photo of him riding a roller coaster, which went viral in 2015.
Reactions and Surprises
Reaction to the Smashing Pumpkins’ appearance on the Disney special ranged from pleasant surprise to bewilderment. Many fans and viewers took to social media to express their unexpected delight at seeing the band perform at such an event. Tweets about the performance flooded Twitter, sparking funny and bewildered reactions from the audience.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration aired on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
