The Smashing Pumpkins Launched Rats in a Cage Tour
The band marked the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in Columbus.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Alternative
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The Smashing Pumpkins kicked off their career-spanning Rats in a Cage Tour at Columbus's Value City Arena. The performance celebrated the 30th anniversary of their seminal double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
Why it matters
The tour offers a rare opportunity for fans to hear deep cuts that have been absent from live shows for nearly two decades. By dedicating a set to the 1995 album, the band provides an immersive look at a landmark release in alternative rock history.
The show featured 30 songs total, with 16 tracks sourced from the 1995 double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The band revived several songs for the first time in nearly 20 years, including tracks last played as early as 2007.
The players
The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins are an influential American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in 1988.
The details
The band utilized a two-set structure, devoting the first half of the concert to the Mellon Collie album before moving to a broader selection of their catalog. Highlights included the first live performances of Galapagos and Cupid de Locke since 2008.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The Rats in a Cage Tour opened in Columbus.
October 23, 1995: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness was originally released.
November 2026: The tour is scheduled to conclude.
Industry Dynamics
This tour aligns with a growing industry trend of legacy acts staging anniversary tours to perform classic albums in their entirety. It highlights how bands leverage historical milestones to drive renewed engagement in the current live entertainment landscape.
Fans in upcoming cities including Boston, Chicago, and Denver can expect a two-set experience that features a significant portion of the Mellon Collie album. Tickets remain available for these dates as the tour progresses through the beginning of November.
The takeaway
The Rats in a Cage Tour demonstrates the enduring commercial appeal of 1990s alternative rock nostalgia. Attendees should prepare for an extended show length given the commitment to playing over 30 songs per night.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the rock scene, check out our Alternative section.
More information
To view upcoming show dates and secure tickets, visit the Smashing Pumpkins tour dates and tickets portal.
Live Poll
Would you pay to attend a concert featuring a lengthy, career-spanning setlist?
