Billy Corgan pitches in for Nov. 8 benefit
A Billy Corgan show for $12? True — and for a good cause at that.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman will headline a benefit show, under the name Backwards Clock Society, with Ancient Chinese Secrets’ Kerry Brown and the Electric Prunes' Mark Tulin, on Nov. 8 at the Echoplex as a benefit for Corgan’s friend and fellow Chicagoan, Laura Ann Masura.
Masura was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in September and Corgan and other musicians are pitching in to try to help raise money toward the cost of foot surgery that's not covered by her insurance, estimated at $15,000. She is scheduled for surgery on Oct. 29, and is planning to attend the show.
In addition to Corgan’s ad hoc band, the concert will include performances by Syd Straw, members of Fountains of Wayne and several other acts. Masura has played in such bands as the Evil Beaver, the Prescriptions, Motorhome and Dime Box Band and has befriended many other musicians in her other job as a bartender at the Redwood in downtown L.A.
A couple of noteworthy pieces of Pumpkins' history also are being auctioned off, with proceeds going to Masura: Corgan is donating the drum kit that Jimmy Chamberlin used for recording the 1991 album “Gish,” and the band’s subsequent tour. He and Chamberlin have autographed the drum kit. Corgan also is donating the bass he played at the Pumpkins' first public performance as well as on many of the group’s demo recordings.
Tickets for the show are $12. Doors open at 4:30 and the music starts at 5 p.m. The drum kit and bass are being auctioned on the Pumpkins' official memorabilia site. A recovery fund website also has been established to handle donations.
-- Randy Lewis
Photo of Corgan performing last year: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times
