Shepard Fairey Does The Smashing Pumpkins

Billy Corgan got the band back together, sorta, and the Smashing Pumpkins are really going to have a new record this summer. James Iha probably won't be on it, and our girlfriend D'arcy or our other girlfriend Melissa Auf der Maur will probably also be replaced, but Billy and Jimmy Chamberlin didn't do us wrong on Zwan, and that rhymes with bring it on.

LA street art pioneer and Obey founder Shepard Fairey's official SP cover was revealed today in Billboard where he had this to say about the theme and color:

"I think global warming is an issue that is currently relevant, time sensitive, and a symptom of the shortsightedness of the U.S. As a broader metaphor, the drowning Statue of Liberty, a revered icon of the U.S., symbolizes the eminent demise of many of the ideals upon which the nation was founded. Civil liberties, freedom of speech, privacy, etc. have been decreasing since 9/11. The sun in the image could either be setting or rising and this ambiguity shows that there is still hope to turn things around."

"I use red frequently because it is a visually powerful, emotionally potent color. Red gets people's attention. In this case there is the added possibility that the red liquid could be blood, giving it an even more sinister sense of foreboding."

The Pumpkins have announced eight shows up in Frisco at the Filmore from July 22 to Aug. 1, which might be a reason to go up there. And if you do go, you will be allowed to bring any audio, video, or photographic device that you please.

Fairey has designed numerous posters, billboards, and album covers over the years, some of which you will find after the jump.