The new year brings a powerful music collaboration, with Yungblud releasing a reimagined version of his song “Zombie” in partnership with the legendary band The Smashing Pumpkins. This exciting new music collaboration features a Billy Corgan feature and offers a heavier Zombie version of the track. The reworked song, a significant moment for modern rock music, dropped worldwide on January 2, 2026, accompanied by an official music video. This release highlights the powerful synergy between Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins.
The Genesis of a Darker Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins Sound
Yungblud, born Dominic Harrison, felt a deep connection to The Smashing Pumpkins. Their 1993 album “Siamese Dream” profoundly influenced him. In fact, “Zombie” was originally conceived with that album in mind. Yungblud channeled “Siamese Dream” during its creation. He loved the mix of sadness and aggression, with Billy Corgan’s songwriting being a major inspiration. This influence is clear in “Zombie’s” emotional core. However, the original version was deliberately softer, as Yungblud wanted to avoid sounding too much like his heroes. He intentionally pulled back the arrangement. Yet, the idea of a heavier version always remained, and he felt the song needed to embrace its darker instincts. This desire sparked the collaboration, and he wanted to revisit the track with Corgan, digging in harder for a “Jekyll and Hyde” duality for the song. Light and life needed a dark counterpart, and pessimism and bitterness would find their place. This news about Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins has generated significant buzz.
A Dream Collaboration: Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins
Yungblud reached out to Billy Corgan directly, asking him to help “scratch this itch.” Corgan was already familiar with Yungblud’s work, having discovered him through a live performance video and instantly recognizing his raw potential. Corgan even spoke about Yungblud’s future in 2023, likening his evolution to Elton John’s. This acknowledgment deeply resonated with Yungblud, encouraging him to create his envisioned rock album. The connection between the artists deepened, having previously met at tributes for Ozzy Osbourne. This shared history fueled the creative spark for the Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins collaboration. The new version of “Zombie” was recorded in Chicago, with Corgan contributing a verse. The rest of The Smashing Pumpkins also played a supporting role, marking a rare feature for the iconic band and their first time on another artist’s recording. This event is a highlight for alt-rock style fans.
Sonic and Cultural Impact of Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins
The new rendition of “Zombie” delivers a much heavier sound, leaning into denser guitar work with a notably darker sonic palette. This directly reflects The Smashing Pumpkins’ signature alt-rock style, creating an exciting blend of generational rock styles. Yungblud’s energetic approach meets Corgan’s influential sound. The release was managed strategically, with a more restrained rollout instead of a massive live debut, building anticipation and focusing on creative buildup. The absence of a live performance fueled curiosity, leaving fans to imagine the live translation. The music video adds another layer, visually complementing the darker tone of the Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins track. This collaboration signals a new chapter for both artists, showing Yungblud’s expanding artistic alliances. While he has previously worked with major artists, this partnership stands out as particularly significant, honoring Yungblud’s inspirations. Corgan stated The Smashing Pumpkins lent their voice to honor him. This music news is a top story.
Grammy Recognition and Future Outlook for Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins
The original studio version of “Zombie” already has significant recognition, being nominated for “Best Rock Song” at the 2026 Grammy Awards – a major achievement for Yungblud. Yungblud also received two other nominations: his album “Idols” is up for “Best Rock Album,” and his cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” is nominated for “Best Rock Performance.” The album “Idols,” released in June 2025, topped the UK Album Charts. “Zombie” itself is Yungblud’s fastest-streaming solo single, garnering over 100 million streams. The new Yungblud Smashing Pumpkins collaboration arrives at a peak moment, amplifying the song’s impact and elevating Yungblud’s profile. It showcases his ability to connect with rock legends and is a testament to his vision. Future live performances featuring this heavier Zombie version will be highly anticipated. This music news highlights artistic evolution, placing Yungblud in the spotlight as a dynamic artist. The blending of these sounds is remarkable and sets a strong tone for 2026, embodying a perfect fusion of modern rock music.
