Three decades after its groundbreaking release, The Smashing Pumpkins have announced an expansive 30th anniversary reissue of their seminal album *Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness*. The landmark double album, originally released on October 23, 1995, will return in two collector-focused formats: a 6-LP super deluxe vinyl edition arriving November 21, followed by a 4-CD box set on January 9.
The reissue preserves the original 28-track album that spawned hits like “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” “1979,” “Tonight, Tonight,” and “Zero,” while adding over 80 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band’s 1996 tour. This tour holds particular significance as it was the original lineup‘s final large-scale outing before disbanding, capturing a pivotal moment in the group’s history.
Mellon Collie’s legacy expands with unreleased recordings from the original lineup’s final tour—a sonic time capsule of alt-rock’s golden era.
Collectors will find substantial appeal in the 6-LP package, which includes a hardbound book featuring new liner notes by frontman Billy Corgan, a custom tarot card deck, and seven lithographs housed in a velvet slipcase. The 4-CD alternative offers similar archival value for fans primarily interested in the audio experience.
The live material, sourced from performances in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, showcases previously unavailable renditions of fan favorites including “Geek USA,” “Zero,” “Muzzle,” and “Thru the Eyes of Ruby/By Starlight.” These recordings offer a raw, energetic contrast to the meticulously crafted studio versions, providing fresh perspective on familiar tracks. Fans can get an early taste as the live version of “Geek USA” is already available for streaming ahead of the official release.
In his liner notes, Corgan reflects on the band’s evolution and perseverance since the mid-90s peak represented by this album. The anniversary commemoration extends beyond the reissue, with the Lyric Opera of Chicago hosting special performances featuring newly commissioned arrangements of album tracks.
The project emphasizes physical formats rather than digital-only expansions, catering to audiophiles and memorabilia enthusiasts who appreciate the album’s original lavish aesthetic. This focus on vinyl and CD formats represents a smart revenue diversification strategy, as physical format sales remain a significant income stream for established artists alongside streaming royalties. The reissue ensures that songwriters and composers involved will receive proper performance royalties through their respective PROs whenever tracks are played publicly. As part of the celebration, the band has also partnered with Vosges Haut-Chocolat to create a limited-edition chocolate box that includes six chocolate bars inspired by songs from the album.
For fans of 90s alternative rock, this reissue represents not just nostalgia but a significant expansion of The Smashing Pumpkins’ historical archive.
