Smashing Young Man

Album: Collective Soul (1995)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • When Collective Soul took off in 1994 with their song "Shine," Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins slagged them off, calling their frontman Ed Roland a "shameless rip-off artist." Corgan was referring to similarities between "Shine" and Smashing Pumpkins songs like "Rhinoceros," "Drown" and "Snail." On this track, Roland fires back, never mentioning Corgan by name but calling this Smashing Young Man "synthetic-like," and saying he lives in a "self-lit spotlight."

    Roland's guitar riff on "Shine" dates back to 1989, pre-dating the Smashing Pumpkins songs he was accused of stealing.
  • For a while, Ed Roland claimed, incredulously, that the song was not about Corgan but inspired by the British term "smashing," which he heard in England.

Comments: 5

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganI jumped on stage during a Pumpkins show and Billy hit me on the head with a guitar. Now my sister Lucy won't go to concerts with me anymore. Lol!
  • Kirk Kobane from Under The GraveBoth bands are great
  • Nathan from Sherwood, OrCollective soul is the greatest rock band ever!!
  • S from Aberdeen, United StatesCollective Soul is awesome
  • Rick from Humboldt, Iacollective soul rocks
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.