Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins Unite for Darker Version of “Zombie”
Yungblud continues to attract top talent in the music industry, recently releasing a new darker rendition of his Grammy-nominated track “Zombie,” featuring none other than The Smashing Pumpkins. This collaboration highlights a long-standing mutual admiration between the artists, adding an exciting layer to an already exceptional song.
The Inspiration Behind the Collaboration
In a cover story interview with Loudwire, Yungblud revealed his inspiration for “Zombie,” stating, “When I was making ‘Zombie,’ I was really channeling Siamese Dream. It was really the sadness and the melancholic emotion mixed with the aggression of Billy’s fucking guitars.” He acknowledged that Billy Corgan’s songwriting played a pivotal role in shaping his creative process for this album.
Yungblud elaborated on his desire for a more intense version of “Zombie,” saying, “I called Billy and I was like, ‘Billy, please help me scratch this itch. I want this record to dig in harder.’ There still needs to be an almost Jekyll and Hyde element, there needs to be the version that’s full of light and full of life and optimism, but then there needs to be this dark version that is pessimistic and a little bit bitter and a bit aggressive.”
Listen to the New Version of “Zombie”
Yungblud, “Zombie” (With Smashing Pumpkins)
The Bond Between Yungblud and Billy Corgan
Even before his significant rise in 2025, Yungblud had caught the attention of Billy Corgan. In a 2023 interview, Corgan shared his thoughts on Yungblud’s potential, stating, “I can tell where he’s going and, if I’m right, we’ll be talking about him for the next 50 years.” Their paths crossed again during the Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne concert celebration, Back to the Beginning, where they both performed, and Yungblud later appeared on Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others.
Yungblud expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “Siamese Dream was an album that was there for me more than I could ever explain when I was growing, so to be making music with the band that created it is really quite hard to comprehend. Billy has always been such a massive inspiration to me but more recently a huge mentor of mine. His outlook on the importance of truth in art is something that I’ve always held close to my heart.”
Corgan added, “Yungblud’s star shines bright, so it’s been great fun to lend our zig-zag voice to his ‘Zombie’ which he’s said was inspired by one of our own. Hence the encouragement that we make this rendition as personal as possible and I’m proud to say we’ve done that; if only to honor him in return.”
Yungblud’s Ascendancy in the Music World
This collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins is just another testament to Yungblud’s growing presence in the music scene. In the past year, he has made headlines for his cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” and his partnership with Aerosmith on the One More Time EP. Additionally, he has collaborated with artists like Steve Martin and Lainey Wilson, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different musical styles.
The Evolution of “Zombie”
Yungblud’s reimagining of “Zombie” marks its third iteration. The original version, featured on his Idols album, has earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song. Following that, Yungblud released an acoustic version last month, further demonstrating the song’s adaptability and emotional depth.
Written in memory of his late grandmother, “Zombie” is one of Yungblud’s most personal songs to date. The Idols album, which includes this poignant track, is currently available for fans to enjoy.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Yungblud is set to resume his tour in support of the Idols album beginning January 10 in Moore Park, Australia. The tour will extend through the U.K., Europe, and North America, with all dates and ticket information available on Yungblud’s official website.
Yungblud, “Zombie” (Original Version)
Yungblud, “Zombie” (Acoustic)
Conclusion
The collaboration between Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins showcases the power of artistic respect and the evolution of music. As Yungblud continues to redefine his sound and grow his presence in the industry, fans eagerly anticipate what he will accomplish next.
FAQs
1. What is the inspiration behind Yungblud’s song “Zombie”?
The song “Zombie” was inspired by Yungblud’s late grandmother and reflects deep personal emotions.
2. Who collaborated with Yungblud on the new version of “Zombie”?
The Smashing Pumpkins collaborated with Yungblud to create a darker rendition of the song.
3. When will Yungblud’s tour begin?
Yungblud’s tour will begin on January 10 in Moore Park, Australia.
4. Has Yungblud received any nominations for his music?
Yes, Yungblud received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song for “Zombie.”
5. Where can I find more information about Yungblud’s tour dates?
More information about Yungblud’s tour dates and ticketing can be found on his official website.
