'90s Rock Legend Claims Today’s Pop Stars Are Music’s ‘Most Satanic Representation'
- - '90s Rock Legend Claims Today’s Pop Stars Are Music’s ‘Most Satanic Representation'
Jane LaCroixJanuary 7, 2026 at 3:15 AM
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Photo by Elena Di Vincenzo/Archivio Elena Di Vincenzo/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Billy Corgan isn’t mincing words when it comes to modern pop stardom.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman recently argued that today’s pop stars represent what he calls the most “Satanic” force in contemporary music—not because of dark imagery, but because of manufactured identity.
“In many cases, the most Satanic representation in music over the last 20 years has been the popstars,” Corgan, 58, said on his podcast, The Magnificent Others, on Wednesday, December 31. “Because they are knowingly creating a false image, and they are servile to a false image to the point of jacking up their faces and voices, and deluding their audience that they’re someone that they’re not.”
For longtime Pumpkins fans, the idea isn’t entirely new. Corgan’s songwriting has always wrestled with temptation, ego, and illusion. But Corgan went further, arguing that audiences are often complicit in the illusion. “The audience will reach a point of cognitive dissonance where they know that the person they want to believe in in an idolatrous way isn’t that person,” he said, adding that fans then pressure artists to “double down on the idolatry.”
Fans were quick to respond in the comments section of a clip of the show shared to Instagram.“This is a classic Billy take what a great way to start my 2026,” one replied.
Another shared, “The ones you grow up listening to your parents were weirded out about aren't the ones trying to indoctrinate you. The Taylor Swifts.. Beyoncés... sam smiths... lady gagas.. lil uzi vert.. lil naz x as a few examples.. why are these pop stars so obsessed with satanic imagery.”
“I don’t think Billy knows what words mean,” a third critiqued, while a fourth stated, “He sold his soul a long time ago and he knows full well why the symbols are there.”
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Still, his stance isn’t a blanket rejection of modern artists. Earlier this month, Corgan appeared in a newly reworked version of Yungblud’s 2025 single “Zombie,” a collaboration that surprised fans and sparked debate online. Some listeners initially bristled at the changes, particularly around Corgan’s vocals, but reactions shifted quickly once the cinematic video dropped.
Despite his criticism of modern pop stars, Corgan’s work with the young alt-rocker shows his issue isn’t spectacle—it’s whether the persona replaces the person.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
