In a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Billy Corgan, frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, opened up about his friendship with Lisa Marie Presley and his regret for not helping her music career take off. The pair, who had known each other for years, bonded over their shared love of music and their unique experiences navigating the industry.
Corgan and Presley’s friendship began in the late ’90s, with the two quickly becoming close due to their passion for music and songwriting. As Corgan recalled, Presley sought his help in her music career, but he didn’t offer as much assistance as he could have. This revelation has led to some feelings of regret, as he believes she had great potential.
During the interview, Corgan provided some insight into the missed opportunities and what he wishes he had done differently. He explained that at the time, he was preoccupied with his own career, which led him to not fully invest in helping Presley.
Reflecting on their friendship, Corgan shared:
“The confusion on that is – I think she wanted me to do more, and I was busy, and we were friends. So, I did do some work, but looking back, I wish I’d sort of taken more possession of it because she never really got her music thing off the ground. She was actually really talented, and it’s a shame if you get a chance to hear her voice – she inherited a lot of her father’s great depth and voice, and it’s a shame that she didn’t make more music.
She was awesome. It’s a tough one. That was really hard for me because she was one of a kind person. The world really didn’t know her because – of course, they always know her as Elvis’ daughter, but she was a really, really cool, unique person.”
Corgan went on to discuss the conversations he had with Presley about her father, Elvis Presley, and the fond memories she shared. He mentioned how he got to know Elvis through Lisa Marie’s perspective.
He recounted:
“We talked about her father a lot. She had very fond memories of her father. I think she was seven or eight when he passed, so she did remember him, and she had really glowing things to say about her father. I got to know her father through her in a way that I’ve never seen in public. I got this first front row seat of what Elvis the person was like, and if you know what Elvis the person was like from her perspective, Elvis is even more amazing than he already is. It’s kind of crazy, but he was really a unique person.”
Billy Corgan’s candid interview sheds light on the potential Lisa Marie Presley had as a musician and the regret he feels for not playing a bigger role in her career. It also offers a rare glimpse into the personal lives of both Presley and Corgan, reminding us that even those in the public eye have unique friendships and stories to tell.
