Bassist Auf der Maur Reflects on '90s Rock Scene

Musician shares memories of early Hole and Smashing Pumpkins shows in Montreal

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:41pm

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Melissa Auf der Maur, a music-loving teen in Montreal in the early 1990s, recounts her experiences attending small local shows by the up-and-coming alternative rock bands Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. She describes being impressed by Courtney Love's powerful stage presence with Hole and trying to apologize to Billy Corgan after someone threw a beer bottle at him during a Smashing Pumpkins performance.

Why it matters

Auf der Maur's firsthand accounts provide a unique perspective on the early days of two iconic '90s rock acts, offering insights into the emerging alternative music scene and the raw energy of their live shows before they achieved mainstream success.

The details

In the summer of 1991, Auf der Maur attended shows by Hole and Smashing Pumpkins at the small punk club Les Foufounes Électriques in Montreal. She was so impressed by Hole's performance and Courtney Love's commanding stage presence that she offered the band a place to stay, though her roommate ultimately declined. Twelve days later, Auf der Maur was mesmerized by Smashing Pumpkins' set, but was offended when someone in the audience of around 20 people threw a beer bottle at singer-guitarist Billy Corgan's head. Auf der Maur sought out Corgan after the show to apologize on behalf of the Montreal crowd.

  • In the summer of 1991, Auf der Maur attended Hole's show at Les Foufounes Électriques in Montreal.
  • Twelve days later, Auf der Maur saw Smashing Pumpkins perform at the same venue.

The players

Melissa Auf der Maur

A music-loving teen in Montreal in the early 1990s who attended shows by Hole and Smashing Pumpkins and later became a bassist for Hole and other bands.

Courtney Love

The force-of-nature singer of the alternative rock band Hole.

Billy Corgan

The singer-guitarist of the alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins.

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What they’re saying

“I kept notes on all of it.”

— Melissa Auf der Maur, Musician

The takeaway

Auf der Maur's recollections provide a unique window into the early days of two influential 1990s rock acts, capturing the raw energy and emerging popularity of Hole and Smashing Pumpkins before they achieved mainstream success.