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The Smashing Pumpkins helped to herald in the holidays with a live performance at Walt Disney World for ABC’s The Wonderful World Of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration. The rock band showcased their unreleased Christmas song “Evergreen” along with a cover of Bing Crosby’s classic “Silver Bells.”
Many viewers, however, were perplexed by the unconventional renditions and the rock band’s appearance in front of one of Disney’s magical castles. Several fans celebrated the “weird” performance on social media, while others posted confused memes and reactions.
But frontman Billy Corgan, who was joined onstage by James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and temporary bassist Sierra Swan, has a long history with Disney. During an interview with ABC’s On the Red Carpet, the singer said “Silver Bells” is one of his favorite Christmas songs, noting that he couldn’t just play “any weird old Smashing Pumpkins song.” He added that he’s a “Disney mark.”
“I work in the world of professional wrestling, and when you’re a big fan of professional wrestling, they call you a mark. So I’m a Disney mark,” he said. “I collect old Disneyland items. I have stuff from back on the opening day in 1955. So when they called me to come play Disney, I’m like, whatever you need.”
Michael Bolton, Tori Kelly, Robin Thicke, DJ Khaled, Mickey Guyton, and Chris Janson also performed as part of Magical Holiday Celebration, hosted by siblings Derek and Julianne Hough. The special is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
