Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins Make Rock History with a new version of Zombie
Collaboration marks the first time The Smashing Pumpkins have featured on another artist’s song
Yungblud has kicked off 2026 with a bang, releasing a reimagined version of his GRAMMY®-nominated single Zombie—and this time, he’s joined by none other than alt-rock legends The Smashing Pumpkins. The release is a landmark moment: it’s the first collaborative track in The Smashing Pumpkins’ decades-long career, and it features production by Matt Schwartz and Billy Corgan himself.
Originally released on Yungblud’s chart-topping 2025 album IDOLS, Zombie quickly became the fastest-streaming solo single of his career, with over 100 million streams to date. The new version intensifies the track’s emotional punch, adding Corgan’s signature guitar sound and a thunderous, heavier sonic layer that both artists describe as deeply personal and artistically urgent.
From Tribute to Studio
The partnership between Yungblud and Billy Corgan was sparked in July during Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath’s farewell show in Birmingham. The two had been admirers from afar for years—Corgan first discovered Yungblud through a live performance and later praised him in interviews and on his podcast The Magnificent Ones, even comparing the young Brit’s career arc to Elton John’s.
Yungblud, long influenced by The Smashing Pumpkins’ emotional lyricism and sonic ambition, was quick to invite Corgan into the studio after their Birmingham meeting. The resulting collaboration is more than just a rework—it’s a full-circle creative moment that honours both artists’ paths.
“To watch one of my idols work on something that I had written was one of the greatest honours of my life. I love that this new version of Zombie is heavier… it rips my heart out,” said Yungblud.
A Visual Riot and Grammy Spotlight
Directed by Charlie Sarsfield, the official music video for the new Zombie also dropped today, starring both Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins in a raw, stylised visual that amplifies the track’s emotional and cinematic tones.
The release comes on the heels of a major awards season for Yungblud, who earned nominations in all major rock categories at the 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, including Best Rock Album (IDOLS), Best Rock Song (Zombie), and Best Rock Performance (for his emotional live cover of Black Sabbath’s Changes).
A New Era for Yungblud
The collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins follows a career-defining 2025 for Yungblud:
- A sold-out world tour
- Chart-topping UK and US releases
- A standout EP (One More Time) with Aerosmith
- And the critically acclaimed documentary YUNGBLUD: Are You Ready, Boy?
This spring, he heads out on his sold-out UK arena tour, beginning April 11, before launching his biggest North American run to date in 2026.
“Yungblud’s star shines bright, so it’s been great fun to lend our zig-zag voice to his Zombie… I’m proud to say we’ve done that; if only to honor him in return.” — Billy Corgan
The Idols UK &+ Ireland Tour dates are as follows:
11.04.26 Sheffield, Utilita Arena
12.04.26 Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
14.04.26 Belfast, SSE Arena
15.04.26 Dublin, 3Arena
17.04.26 Leeds, First Direct Arena
18.04.26 Cardiff, Utilita Arena
20.04.26 Glasgow, OVO Hydro
23.04.26 Birmingham, Utilita Arena
24.04.26 London, The O2
25.04.26 Manchester, AO Arena
North American and international dates available at yungbludofficial.com.
