Corgan’s first success, however, came in the form of alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, which he started with guitarist James Iha, bassist James D’Arcy and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain.

Smashing Pumpkins produced several independent singles before signing with Caroline Records, a deal that resulted in three albums: Gish in 1991, Siamese Dream in 1993 and double-disc set Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in 1995. During this time, Corgan also scored movies, contributed songs to soundtracks and produced albums for other artists.

Following the disappointing performance of their album Adore in 1998 and D’Arcy’s departure in 2000, the Pumpkins decided to call it quits, a decision Corgan later blamed on Iha. Just after the release of MACHINA/The Machines of God that same year, Corgan announced his plans to dissolve the band, and it embarked on a final tour, with Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur replacing D’Arcy.

Corgan wasted no time in turning to new endeavors, however. After playing guitar with British band New Order for a summer, he created Zwan, a new group with Chamberlain, guitarist Mark Sweeney, guitarist and bassist David Pajo and, later in its run, bassist Paz Lenchantin.

Zwan was short-lived, releasing only one full album—2003’s Mary Star of the Sea. Corgan began his solo career after its breakup, and then, a year later, his literary one.

Corgan is currently at work on a novel, but couldn’t say much more because he isn’t sure himself where it is going. “I’m at a crossroads,” he explains. “I can’t make up my mind. I have these two different roads I can go down with it.”

Still, Corgan doesn’t seem to be putting too much pressure on himself these days. “I love the world, and I hope it loves me. Life is good.”