Smashing Pumpkins Reunite With Butch Vig for Hunger Games Track

The Smashing Pumpkins have shared "Black Stars," a moody new single produced by Butch Vig for the soundtrack of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The song, released on October 15, 2026, marks the band’s first collaboration with Vig in 33 years—since the iconic Siamese Dream (1993). The soundtrack drops November 13, a week before the film’s theatrical premiere on November 20, 2026.

A Reunion Three Decades in the Making

The track reunites the alt-rock legends with Vig, who helmed their debut Gish (1991) and the genre-defining Siamese Dream. Frontman Billy Corgan teased the reunion in May 2026, revealing via Substack that the band had recorded a song with Vig—then "98% done." That song is now "Black Stars," a mid-tempo cut featuring Corgan’s signature sneer, siren-like guitar lines, and a half-time bridge. The track leans into the dreamier side of the Pumpkins’ 1990s sound, with twinkling crunch and vocal harmonies that evoke Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995).

Recording took place at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles and in Chicago, with Corgan initially developing the song for a solo project. When the band was invited to contribute to the Hunger Games prequel, Vig helped select and refine the track to fit the film’s dystopian world of Panem. The soundtrack, executive produced by Dave Cobb, features 29 artists—including Noah Kahan, who released his own Sunrise on the Reaping single, "Draw You Out," earlier this month. The full lineup of contributors remains unannounced.

A Throwback to the ‘90s Soundtrack Era

The song’s release harks back to the Smashing Pumpkins’ 1990s heyday, when they contributed tracks to blockbuster soundtracks like Batman & Robin and Lost Highway. The accompanying music video for "Black Stars" ties into the film’s narrative, though its exact connection to the story remains unclear. Fans can stream the song now, with the soundtrack arriving November 13 via MCA.

The Pumpkins’ 2026 Tour: A Mellon Collie Celebration

While "Black Stars" hasn’t yet been added to their setlist, the Smashing Pumpkins are currently midway through their "Rats in a Cage Tour," a North American arena trek celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The tour features full-album playthroughs of the double LP, alongside hits like "1979," "Tonight, Tonight," and "Bullet with Butterfly Wings." Remaining dates include:

• October 20: Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• October 22: Nashville, TN @ The Truth
• October 24: Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
• October 25: Austin, TX @ Moody Center
• October 27: Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
• October 29: Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
• October 30: Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
• November 1: Portland, OR @ Moda Center
• November 3: Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
• November 5: Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
• November 6: Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
• November 8: San Jose, CA @ SAP Center
• November 11: Phoenix, AZ @ Mortgage Matchup Center
• November 12: Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
• November 14: Huntington Beach, CA @ Darker Waves

The tour has drawn praise for its high-energy performances, with a recent Chicago stop described as a "singalong that was anything but melancholy." Tickets are available via the band’s official channels.

Why This Matters for Fans

For longtime followers, "Black Stars" is more than just a new song—it’s a rare creative reunion. Vig’s production on Gish and Siamese Dream shaped the band’s early sound, blending shoegaze, grunge, and dream pop into a signature style. His return behind the boards signals a full-circle moment, especially as the Pumpkins celebrate Mellon Collie’s legacy on tour. The track also arrives as the band enjoys a resurgence, playing arenas at a scale not seen since their 1990s peak.

With the Hunger Games soundtrack poised to introduce the Pumpkins to a new generation of filmgoers, "Black Stars" bridges nostalgia and fresh relevance—just in time for the holidays and the film’s November 20 release.