21 Bands Like The Smashing Pumpkins (similar music you’re guaranteed to love!)

The Smashing Pumpkins were formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1988. Although classified as an alternative rock band, the Smashing Pumpkins are unlike many of their contemporaries, they include elements from many genres including Shoegazing, gothic rock, dream pop, psychedelic rock, progressive rock and electronica.

If you like The Smashing Pumpkins we’re certain you’ll like some if not all of the following bands. Keep reading for 21 bands like the Smashing Pumpkins.

1. Silversun Pickups

Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 2000, the Silversun Pickups released their first EP, “Pikul” in 2005. Their first album “Carnavas” was released in 2006 and they have released a total of 5 studio albums so far. If you like the Smashing Pumpkins then the Silversun Pickups should definitely be added to your listening list.

2. Zwan

Zwan were formed by Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin after the Smashing Pumpkins disbanded in December 2000. Zwan only released one album, “Mary Star of the Sea” in 2003. They broke up the same year during their world tour to promote the album. The Smashing Pumpkins reformed in 2005 but if you haven’t heard Zwan you could be in for a treat.

3. Soundgarden

Formed in Seattle, Washington, USA in 1984 by Chris Cornell and Kim Thayil, Soundgarden were one of the main promoters of grunge and did much to popularise grunge to a mainstream audience.

4. Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam were another band formed in Seattle, Washington, USA and they have recorded 11 studio albums with more than 85 million albums sold worldwide. With the unmistakable voice of Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam are a band well worth getting into especially if you like The Smashing Pumpkins.

5. Stone Temple Pilots

STP was formed in San Diego, California,USA in 1989. Originally called “Mighty Joe Young” They changed their name when they signed with Atlantic Records. They released their debut album “Core” in 1992 and became one of the most successful bands of the 1990s.

6. Silverchair

The most awarded band in Australian history, Silverchair, was named after a C.S. Lewis novel “The Silver Chair” which was part of “The Chronicles of Narnia”. All 5 of their albums debuted at number 1 on the Australian charts and 3 of their singles also reached the number 1 spot.

7. Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide making them one of the most successful alternative bands of the 1990s. They have a heavier sound than many grunge bands but are still well worth a listen if you like The Smashing Pumpkins.

8. Pixies

Formed in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 1986 the Pixies split in 1993 but reformed in 2004 and are still performing. They have released 8 studio albums so there’s plenty to get your teeth into.

9. Nirvana

Nirvana only released 3 studio albums, if you’re not familiar with their work and you like The Smashing Pumpkins you’re going to want to hear all 3. Formed in Aberdeen, Washington, USA in 1987, Nirvana were Kurt Cobain (vocals and guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass) and eventually Dave Grohl (drums). Dave joined in 1990 after a succession of drummers that didn’t quite fit.

10. Jane’s Addiction

Jane’s Addiction were formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1985 and were one of the first alternative rock bands to achieve commercial success. They have become a band with cult band status.

11. Foo Fighters

After the death of Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl released an album which he played all of the instruments on and provided the vocals as well. That album was called “Foo Fighters” and was intended to be a solo anonymous project. With the success of the album, Dave had to form a band in support of the album and the band the “Foo Fighters” was born.

12. Veruca Salt

Formed in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1992, Veruca Salt was named after the spoiled rich girl from Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. They split in 2012 but reformed a year later.

13. Hole

Hole was formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1989 by Courtney Love (vocals) and Eric Erlandson (guitar). Over the years the band had a number of bassists and drummers. They released 4 studio albums and became one of the most successful rock bands in history fronted by women.

14. Nine Inch Nails

Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, USA in 1988, Nine Inch Nails have released 14 studio albums. They released their debut album “Pretty Hate Machine” in 1989 but it was their 3rd and 4th albums that gained them commercial success.

15. Marilyn Manson

Originally called “Marilyn Manson and The Spooky Kids”, Marilyn Manson is named after lead singer and founding member, Marilyn Manson. Formed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA in 1989 the band gained cult status in South Florida in the early 1990s.

16. Tool

Formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, USA, Tool has won Grammy Awards, performed worldwide tours and had chart topping albums in many countries. They have released 5 studio albums, 1 EP and 1 box set. Due to their long complex tracks, Tool are often classified as a Progressive rock/psychedelic rock/art rock band.

17. Radiohead

Formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK in 1985, Radiohead found fame on the release of their debut single “Creep” in 1992. They have released 9 studio albums so there’s plenty of Radiohead’s tracks for your listening pleasure.

18. Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1983. They are the most successful band in the entire history of alternative rock music. They have had 14 singles at number 1 in the charts and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

19. Queens of the Stone Age

Formed in Palm Desert, California, USA in 1996, Queens of the Stone Age have been nominated for 7 Grammy Awards and released 7 studio albums. At one point Dave Grohl was the band’s drummer.

20. System Of A Down

Formed in Glendale, California, USA in 1994, System of a Down had 3 of their first 5 albums debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. They split in 2006 and reformed in 2010.

21. Metallica

Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1981 by James Hetfield (vocals and guitar) and Lars Ulrich (drums). They have released 10 studio albums with their last “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct” being released in 2016. They have won 10 Grammy Awards and been nominated for many more.