In a recent Instagram Q &A, Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan praised Billy Joe Armstrong and Green Day.  “BJ is up there with the greats, for sure,” said Corgan in response to a question about the East Bay punk alt pioneers. He went on to say that Armstrong was as important to 90’s music as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana.

On a question about the impact of Green Day’s classic ‘American Idiot’ album, Corgan stated “If we are talking about guitar-driven music that reached the masses, yes,” he said. “And that album was what, 14 years ago?”

• The Smashing Pumpkins will close SOLD-OUT Night 2 of the Nights We Stole Christmas on November 30th at the Aragon Ballroom, but you can win tickets here. 

Watch the Smashing Pumpkins in the Lounge

Watch our exclusive press conference with Green Day prior to their big Wrigley Field show.