Pumpkins smash The O2

10:44am Tuesday 26th February 2008

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IT takes a big personality and a big sound to fill The O2. And in Billy Corgan, The Smashing Pumpkins have just the man for the job.

Dressed in what appears to be a metallic-panelled sarong, the Pumpkins' frontman is at his pompous, egotistical best as the rock legends' world tour comes to Greenwich.

The arena, not quite full but no less spectacular for the fact, laps up everything Corgan has to throw at it in a set which blends old classics with the band's more recent creations.

Yet despite the Pumpkins - minus former guitarist James Iha and bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur - playing a tight, controlled set, it is not until they break into former hit Today affairs really liven up.

The moment the familiar first bars break in, the whole arena is bouncing, and the remainder of the evening is a euphoric experience.

Another favourite, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, receives a standing ovation from the seated areas of the arena and a sparse, elegant version of Perfect, with only drummer Jimmy Chamberlain playing tambourine to accompany Corgan, provides a delightful high point of the evening.

Touring musicians Jeff Schroeder and Ginger Reyes are perfect standing in for the Pumpkins' departed, flamboyantly dressed but never distracting attention from Corgan.

He's pompous, he's preening, he is the Pumpkins. And the fans love him.