The 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, celebrated the achievements of Billy Corgan, lead singer of the iconic band Smashing Pumpkins, as he received the prestigious TEC Innovation Award on January 22, 2026. This award, part of the 41st annual TEC Awards, honors musicians whose contributions extend beyond their artistry to include a profound engagement with music technology.
In his acceptance speech, Corgan reflected on his early experiences with music technology. He recalled how he and his band recorded their first demos in a basement studio in Chicago using an Atari 16-track and a TAC Scorpion board. This experience, he noted, was pivotal in shaping his understanding of music production. “That’s where we made the first demos that got us our record deal,” Corgan stated, emphasizing the significance of learning the technical aspects of recording.
A Journey Through Music Technology
Corgan’s passion for music technology traces back to his teenage years when he first picked up a guitar. “My father was a professional musician and a drug dealer,” he humorously shared, prompting laughter from the audience. “He set up a home studio with a TEAC 4-track reel-to-reel. The first time I recorded professionally was on that machine.”
During his speech, Corgan highlighted a formative encounter with Mark Ignoffo, the engineer who initially discouraged him from touching the mixing board. “He said, ‘No, you don’t touch the board. I’m the engineer; you’re the artist,’” Corgan recounted. This moment ignited his curiosity and determination to learn recording techniques, a journey that continues to inspire his creative process today.
Before concluding his speech, Corgan thanked the innovators behind music technology, including those who create guitar pedals and software. He introduced the Laney Supergrace Loud Pedal, a new product he consulted on, designed to replicate his extensive guitar rig in a compact format. “Thank you for making the things that inspire us to make our music, to push us to chase down these crazy dreams,” he expressed to the audience, which included representatives from various music equipment companies.
A Memorable Performance
Following his acceptance speech, Corgan treated the audience to a 20-minute performance featuring deep cuts from the Smashing Pumpkins’ extensive catalog. The set list included “Rocket” from the 1993 album Siamese Dream, and “Shame” from Adore, released in 1998. He concluded with a cover of “Theme for an Imaginary Western,” originally written by Jack Bruce in 1969.
The ceremony also recognized various advancements in audio and production technology. Hosted by Cora Coleman, a prominent drummer known for her work with Prince and Beyoncé, the event celebrated the contributions of both established and emerging artists in the industry. Coleman, the first woman to host the TEC Awards, opened the show with a performance that intertwined music and poetry, reflecting on the heartbeat and essence of sound.
Throughout the evening, several notable figures from the music industry presented awards, including bassist Doug Wimbish and producer Teddy Riley. The event underscored the importance of innovation in music technology, celebrating those behind the scenes who enhance the creative process for artists like Corgan.
The TEC Awards highlighted the intersection of creativity and technology, showcasing a range of products competing in categories such as best microphone recording and musical instrument hardware. As the night concluded, Corgan’s acknowledgment of the technological advancements that inspire artists resonated deeply with the audience, marking a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of music.
As the music industry continues to evolve, events like the NAMM Show not only celebrate artistic achievements but also recognize the critical role technology plays in shaping the future of music.
