The Smashing Pumpkins release Black Stars on 16 October after 33 years
Published on 10/22/2026 at 11:34 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
The Smashing Pumpkins released the new song Black Stars on 16 October 2026, giving the alternative rock band a soundtrack contribution to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The track marks a reunion with producer Butch Vig after 33 years.
Black Stars links The Smashing Pumpkins to a film soundtrack
The official release notice places Black Stars on 16 October 2026 and presents it as a new song for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album).
The soundtrack title identifies the film project attached to the recording. The reunion comes after 33 years, with VICE’s account of the reunion describing it as the band’s first Vig-produced release in that span.
The Smashing Pumpkins bring Chicago alternative rock to Black Stars
Formed in Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins combine alternative rock with post-punk, progressive rock, grunge and psychedelia. That range has shaped a catalogue spanning Gish, Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Aghori Mhori Mei.
Britannica’s band profile identifies Billy Corgan, James Iha, D’Arcy Wretzky and Jimmy Chamberlin among the group’s founding members. For Black Stars, the connection to Vig folds an early studio relationship into a soundtrack release made under the band’s current name.
The Rats in a Cage Tour extends the release into live activity
The release sits beside an active concert cycle named The Rats in a Cage Tour, listed on the band’s website alongside its new music. The tour title connects the present live programme with the group’s established catalogue.
VICE describes the tour as celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Together, the tour and soundtrack place one of the group’s recognised album titles beside its latest song.
The Smashing Pumpkins: what fans in Germany need to know
- Black Stars was released on 16 October 2026 as a new song by The Smashing Pumpkins for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album).
- Release form: VICE describes Black Stars as a single, while the official page calls it a new song for the soundtrack.
- The official home for the band’s release news and tour listing is smashingpumpkins.com.
The Smashing Pumpkins on social media and streaming platforms
These links open a search for The Smashing Pumpkins on each platform.
The Smashing Pumpkins: frequently asked questions
When was Black Stars released?
The Smashing Pumpkins released it on 16 October 2026.
What is Black Stars by The Smashing Pumpkins?
It is a new song for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album), released on 16 October 2026.
Where are The Smashing Pumpkins from and what style do they play?
The band formed in Chicago and plays alternative rock shaped by post-punk, progressive rock, grunge and psychedelia.
