Billy Corgan and Jessica Simpson: My official PR statement

V Festival 2008 - SydneyLet’s get this out of the way first: I’ve had an unnatural obsession with Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins since the 7th grade.  Sparing you (and me) all the potentially embarrassing details, let’s just say everyone who knows me, knows this little factoid.

As you can imagine, anytime there is a “news” item involving Billy Corgan, I hear from people I haven’t heard from in years. Recently, I’ve been flooded with e-mails, Facebook messages, tweets, IM’s – all asking if I’ve heard about the “news” and what do I think of the whole thing. Well duh, of course I have and here’s what I think.

This latest debacle is the romantic link between Billy and Jessica Simpson. When I first heard this tidbit, I immediately thought to myself “Well this is convenient timing since Billy just released a new song from his upcoming record.”

That’s when I realized I apparently never stop thinking like a publicist – even when it’s about my favorite person on the planet.

There are now twitpics and tweets circulating that showcase the two collaborating in the studio together. Putting aside my personal feelings about this horrific rumor, I can’t help but think that it’s all in the name of PR. Whether or not it’s a good move for Billy’s credibility, it’s a good move for getting people to talk about him. Jessica Simpson is celebrity magazine fodder and Billy knows it, he’s one smart dude.

The timing also works since he’s about to release brand new Smashing Pumpkins material. It’s no secret the band – or the latest incarnation of the band – has struggled to regain the popularity of the glory days. And now? Well, they are back in the headlines, more than they have been in a long time, and it’s a different audience that is noticing.

It’s not just the music press watching, the celebrity press is also paying close attention.

Even if it’s out of curiosity, admit it: If one of the most famous rockers of my generation put out a song with a washed-up pop star, you would probably take a listen. Then while you are listening, you might actually check out what else the band is putting out. This association might also draw in new fans that might have never even considered listening to a new Smashing Pumpkins track.

While I could go on and on about the implications to Billy’s career from a fan’s point of view, as a publicist I say “Not a bad move sir, not a bad move.”

What do you think? Is it all in the name of PR? Or am I too much of a publicist and this is just an innocent coming together of two musical spirits?

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