LOS ANGELES — It was early 1996, and a young alternative band known as the Smashing Pumpkins was embarking on a worldwide tour for their newest album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.” One of the first stops of the tour was Los Angeles, for a sold-out show at the historic Palace Theatre. They began the set — contrary to the noisy atmosphere of the year prior characterized by distorted alternative rock — with a piano solo.

It’s the album’s opening title track, a poignant, emotional tune woven with promise and the start of something new. It was written by then-28-year-old front man Billy Corgan as he learned to play piano for the first time.

It was like being caught in a dream, Corgan remembers. Then, the crashing drums and electric guitar filled the room, and the sonic experience

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