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How a Passing Comment on the ‘SNL’ Set Convinced the Smashing Pumpkins This 1993 Single Was a Hit

The Smashing Pumpkins first hit single, ‘Cherub Rock’, got some high praise from Saturday Night Live’s musical director.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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No one would argue that the Smashing Pumpkins’ song “Cherub Rock” was a hit. But, for frontman, Billy Corgan, it took a passing comment on the set of SNL to convince the band their 1993 single was a success.

In a July 2025 interview, Corgan recalled the encounter, a moment that assured him he’d written a great song. “I remember getting this great compliment the first time we played Saturday Night Live in 93,” he began. “I can’t remember the gentleman’s name, but he was the music director for SNL.”

Corgan was likely speaking with G.E. Smith. He’s a legendary guitarist who was the Saturday Night Live musical director and band leader from 1985 until 1995.

“He........

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