Just as the story of Nirvana always begins with Kurt Cobain, the story of the Smashing Pumpkins always begins with Billy Corgan. In this episode of The Alan Cross Guide to Alternative Rock, the Canadian music critic and radio broadcaster takes listeners back to the origins and rise to fame of the Pumpkins, when Corgan took up the mantle of "unhappy post-punk fuzz rock" after Cobain's suicide.

In his rapid-fire yet infinitely listenable delivery, Cross reveals little-known facts about the band as well as a complete survey of the history and sound of the Pumpkins. Cross is clearly passionate about sharing his love of music. He writes, hosts, and produces his long-running syndicated radio program The Secret History of Rock.