Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins release a rocking reinterpretation of “Zombie.” The new version will be released on January 2nd.
Yungblud has teamed up with the Smashing Pumpkins to record a rockier version of his hit “Zombie.” The result has been available since January 2, 2025.
Reimagined with Billy Corgan
In the new version, Yungblud alternates vocals with head pumpkin Billy Corgan, accompanied by loud and booming guitars.
The Pumpkins’ frontman commented on the collaboration: “Yungblud’s star is shining brightly, so it was great fun for us to lend our distinctive voice to his song ‘Zombie’, which he said was inspired by one of our own works.” It continued: “Hence the challenge to make this interpretation as personal as possible, and I am proud to say that we have succeeded – if only to honor him in return.”
An official music video for the new release is expected on January 2nd, 2025.
Connections of the past
The two acts have crossed paths before. The first face-to-face meeting took place at Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell concert on July 5th in Birmingham. Both Yungblud and Corgan were involved in tributes that evening.
However, another connection between the musicians goes back much further. Corgan discovered the then unknown Yungblud through a video of a live performance and quickly recognized the Brit’s potential. In 2023, he gave an interview to US music journalist Allison Hagendorf in which he said: “I can guess where he’s going, and if I’m right, we’ll be talking about him for 50 years.” He also drew a comparison with Elton John.
Yungblud, now 28, also commented on his colleague afterwards. Corgan’s reactions and comments left him speechless. He also saw a growing fan base after he turned more to rock.
The Smashing Pumpkins singer even served as his inspiration here. “Honestly, you were a very important part of that turning point,” he said, recalling hearing Corgan talk about him and his vocal talent on Allison Hagendorf’s podcast.