Billy Corgan and Me

I liked the Smashing Pumpkins, but I was not a huge fan.  Of course, I respected what they accomplished.

When I got involved with Resistance Pro Wrestling, it was not because of Billy Corgan.  Honestly, I didn't even realize he was involved.  I liked the concept of getting on board from the start of the company and I really liked what I saw from Jacques and Gabe Baron.

The story of Billy and RPro has been well-documented.  It didn't end well.  Billy's departure didn't change the way I felt about RPro.

I didn't have anything bad to say about Billy then and I don't have anything bad to say now.  Billy treated me fine during our time together at RPro.  I am grateful for those times, including being on stage with the Smashing Pumpkins at Ravinia.

The ending also had some residual effects, including the departure of many RPro "diehards."  I have lost contact with most of the dearly departed.  I didn't understand it then and I do not understand it now.  I don't know why choices had to be made.

I have had friends work for competitors in the past.  Why was this any different?  Actually, it shouldn't even be compared.  We weren't working for competitors.  There was no competition.  There was a falling out of sorts and some people made others pick sides.  I didn't pick a side back then.  I syaed where I wanted to be.  I felt no animosity towards them or Billy.

Now years later, it is all still very weird and pointless.  Friends are friends and that goes deeper than work affiliations.

In the end, life goes on for all of us.  I'm not bitter or angry.  I'm a bit sad at how things developed, but there are much worse disappointments in life.

I had a good time with Billy.  I had some great experiences with Billy and I will always be thankful and look back fondly on those times.  The end and aftermath might not be pretty, but doesn't erase the good times.

Billy Corgan and me in Chicago, IL-February 2013.