Billy Corgan Names the Second Most Influential Band of the 20th Century After The Beatles
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is no stranger to bold musical opinions, but his latest declaration has reignited debate among rock fans. Appearing on a recent episode of the YouTube series Track Star, Corgan responded to a lineup of what the host considered some of the greatest bands of all time. When one song played, the alt-rock icon immediately made a striking claim.The track was “Disorder,” the opening song on Unknown Pleasures, the debut album by Manchester’s post-punk pioneers Joy Division. After hearing just an excerpt, Corgan didn’t hesitate:
“I’ve argued for a good 20 years that probably outside of The Beatles, Joy Division is the most influential rock band of the 20th century,” he said. “They crystallised post-punk in a way that no bands ever did, and they became the template for so many bands that followed.”
Corgan on Why Joy Division’s Influence Is So Deep
Corgan expanded on his viewpoint by highlighting the band’s unconventional appeal. “It’s pop music not made for a pop market, and that’s why people are still listening,” he explained. “They had what, one big song — maybe — which is ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart.’ But I think they’re one of the greatest bands of all time, and it’s such an easy case for me to make.”He argued that Joy Division’s influence is unique in the way it permeates modern music without always being obvious:
“Important bands like The Beatles and The Velvet Underground and Joy Division, they create a template by which other bands can create their own music. They’re basically ripping those bands off in an unskilled way, but you don’t necessarily hear the influence. So there’s 400 Joy Division bands, but you wouldn’t necessarily hear it. Even if they’re trying to imitate Joy Division, they really can’t.”
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According to Corgan, that subtle influence is exactly what sets Joy Division apart. “You can hear Beatles influences in people,” he noted, “but you can’t necessarily hear Joy Division influences. I hear it in the way they produce their records. I think it’s that post-pop minimalism thing that was very big in Chicago and it never leaves here.”For Corgan, Joy Division’s legacy is defined not by commercial success but by how deeply their sonic palette shaped entire genres—post-punk, goth rock, alternative, and experimental electronic music among them.
Whether fans agree or not, Corgan’s assertion places Joy Division in rare company, highlighting their lasting imprint on the evolution of modern rock and the enduring resonance of their short but groundbreaking career.
