First appearance on record

In 1989, the Smashing Pumpkins made their first appearance on record with the compilation album Light Into Dark , which featured several Chicago alternative bands. The group released its first single, ” I Am One “, in 1990 on the local Chicago label Limited Potential. The single sold out and they released a follow-up, ” Tristessa “, on Sub Pop ; then they signed to Caroline Records . The band recorded their 1991 debut studio album, Gish , with producer Butch Vig at his Smart Studios in Madison , Wisconsin, for $20,000 . In order to gain the consistency he desired, Corgan often played all instruments excluding drums, which created tension in the band. The music fused heavy metal guitars, psychedelia , and dream pop , garnering them comparisons to Jane’s Addiction . Gish became a minor success, with the single ” Rhinoceros ” receiving some airplay on modern rock radio. After releasing the Lull EP in October 1991 on Caroline Records, the band formally signed with Virgin Records , which was affiliated with Caroline. The band supported the album with a tour that included opening for bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers , Jane’s Addiction, and Guns N’ Roses . During the tour, Iha and Wretzky went through a messy breakup, Chamberlin became addicted to narcotics and alcohol, and Corgan entered a deep depression, writing some songs for the upcoming album in the parking garage where he lived at the time.