Smashing Pumpkins Return to Lollapalooza After 32 Years, Surprise Greg Brady Cameo at Chicago Warm-Up Show
Smashing Pumpkins will headline Lollapalooza this year for the first time in 32 years. The night before the festival opens, on July 29, the band played a warm-up show at Chicago's Riviera Theatre and surprised the crowd by bringing out Greg Brady, according to a Stereogum report that described an enthusiastic reaction from fans in attendance.
Lollapalooza 2026 lineup and dates
Lollapalooza 2026 opens on Wednesday, July 30, in Chicago. This year's headliners include Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, the xx, and hometown act Smashing Pumpkins.
Smashing Pumpkins' festival set overlaps with Charli XCX's slot, forcing some fans to choose between the two. The Riviera Theatre warm-up show gives at least some of those fans a chance to see Smashing Pumpkins before having to make that call at the festival itself.
About the warm-up show
Riviera Theatre is a long-running mid-size venue in Chicago, and the band's choice to play there ahead of the festival nods to their hometown roots. Full details of the Greg Brady appearance — including what was performed or how the collaboration came together — have not yet been shared by organizers.
What we don't know yet
- No word yet on setlist details or the nature of the Greg Brady collaboration
- No ticket price, on-sale time, or ticket platform mentioned for the Riviera Theatre show in available reporting
- Specific set times for Smashing Pumpkins' Lollapalooza performance have not been announced
- Festival dates: Lollapalooza 2026, opening July 30 (Wednesday)
- Location: Chicago
- Warm-up show: July 29, Riviera Theatre, Chicago
- Headliners: Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, the xx, Smashing Pumpkins
- Ticket info: not stated in available reporting