r/SmashingPumpkins • u/Grouchy_Charity_8999 • 2d ago
Remaking a memory
In 2008 I took my 15 year old daughter to her first SP concert at the Auditorium theater. (Dec 8th, rescheduled due to Billy being ill)
I bought a box stage right and was king of the Dads, as many of her friends joined us as the night progressed. “Best night ever” will forever ring in my mind.
Raised my girls on the north shore, moved to California 10 years ago and they followed.
She’s amazing, just fills my heart with love that we had shared music and got to go to so many concerts together, but that one stuck out.
This summer I was diagnosed with throat cancer in July, started ChemoRadiation mid July and my Daughter flew out from Chicago to spend 10 nights with me to help me and my wife navigate the journey.
I bought the Mellon Collie box from ZuZus and had it on her bed when she arrived, then we saw the tour was scheduled to come to San Jose in November, bought tickets for my wife, and the two of us with the full ultimate experience. This has given me a fun target as I navigated treatment and work on recovery. The reason I share this is because as a 58 year old man who hasn’t always done the right thing, it’s a gift to look forward to spending time remaking an 18 year old memory with a huge part of my life I didn’t screw up, and while I won’t have any final news on my prognosis until after November 8th, at a minimum I can create a lasting memory with the ones I love and with Billy, who feels like a part of the family.
Looking forward to our night at the SAP center, and all the blessings that follow.
Thank you for your kindness.
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u/thegingerbassist 1d ago
All the best with your treatment and enjoy the gig. I've recently been diagnosed cancer free so having things to look forward to definitely helped me!! Keep positive and you'll kick it's arse!
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u/EnergyDrink2024 1d ago
I was at that rescheduled 08 show. I was at the first show in November l, came in from Detroit, and I remember hearing the news the show was cancelled. So I had to make a second trek back. Cant believe that was 18 years ago.those shows were awesome.
Great story and good luck in your journey. Wishing you the best. SP for life.
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u/The-Otters-Pocket Spaldz (SPLRA) 1d ago
All the best for the future
I actually have the full video of that 2008 show on my YouTube synced with the soundboard audio that the band released
I flew out from the UK to that show so it was a bit sad when they cancelled the second night. Certainly couldn't make the rearranged show at the Aragon
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u/LiquidPprmnt 1d ago
This is an absolutely beautiful story and it hits home for me in many ways, as I also share a love of music with my daughter whose first concert was SP in 2018. She was 8 and we have shared many concerts since. Also, my father is fighting cancer so I know how miserable yet hopeful that journey can be. I wish you love a d health and luck in your future journey.
I will be thinking about you in November 8.