Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Billy Corgan Enters Auction to Win Ex Courtney Love’s Handwritten Lyrics

Larry Marano/Shutterstock
Larry Marano/Shutterstock

Billy Corgan, the frontman of the iconic band Smashing Pumpkins, has thrown his hat into the ring for a chance to own a piece of musical history—Courtney Love’s handwritten lyrics for the song “Violet.” This song, which was released by Love's band Hole on their 1994 album *Live Through This*, carries a deep connection to both artists, primarily due to the shared romantic history between Love and Corgan. The auction is organized to benefit the Ellis Park Wildlife Sanctuary, a charity that supports rescued animals in Sumatra, Indonesia. The auction stirred excitement as Corgan, with a mix of nostalgia and humor, announced his participation in an Instagram post, stating that he had purchased multiple tickets to increase his chances of winning, jokingly commenting, “I think it's about a guy I know a little bit.”

The backstory of the song “Violet” is partially rooted in Love's tumultuous relationship with Corgan, whom she dated around 1991. Despite public spats and periods of estrangement, both artists have reconciled multiple times over the years, most notably performing together during the Smashing Pumpkins’ 30th anniversary show in 2018. In past interviews, Corgan has acknowledged the significance of his relationship with Love, describing it as familial despite its ups and downs.

Love, for her part, has emphasized that “Violet” was not merely about Corgan but was also inspired by broader experiences and emotions during her younger years living in Chicago. She vividly described how part of the song’s inspiration came from sitting on a fire escape with Corgan, drinking cheap wine, which planted the seed for the imagery in “Violet.” Over the years, Love has publicly referred to “Violet” with a blend of affection and humor, once joking that the song was about a “jerk” she “hexed,” purportedly causing Corgan to lose his hair—a jest reflecting their past strife but also their subsequent amicable exchanges.

The auction is also drawing attention for its broader cause, the Ellis Park Wildlife Sanctuary. This charity event, highlighting the song's appeal, also reflects Love's and Corgan’s shared interest in philanthropy, emphasizing their commitment to social issues beyond music. Other notable items in the auction include a bespoke Gucci jacket donated by Nick Cave, a signed Philip Glass score, and a Fender Jazz Bass from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea, amplifying the auction’s appeal among music aficionados and collectors.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Trey Anastasio performs during "If I Had A Song", the finale the 60th annual Newport Folk Festival 2019 at Fort Adams State Park on July 28, 2019 in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport Folk Festival, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island, USA - 28 Jul 2019

How To Watch Phish’s Summer 2025 Tour Live

Phish fans can look forward to an exciting summer as the iconic jam band gears up for its Summer Tour…

Shane Told of Silverstein at the Festival d'été de Québec on July 10, 2024 in Quebec City, Canada Silverstein at the Festival d'été de Québec on July 10, 2024 in Quebec City, Canada, Festival d'été de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, CAN - 10 Jul 2024

Silverstein Shares New Music Video

Silverstein, the revered Canadian post-hardcore band, has made a remarkable return with their latest single “Drain the Blood,” featuring Rory…

Avril Lavigne performs at Tinderbox music festival in Odense, Denmark, 27 June 2024. The festival runs from 27 to 29 June 2024. Tinderbox music festival in Odense, Denmark - 27 Jun 2024

Avril Lavigne Reunites With Deryck Whibley at Warped Tour

In a surprising moment that brought the nostalgia of early 2000s pop-punk back to life, Avril Lavigne and her ex-husband,…

Carl Lender, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Terry Luttrell of REO Speedwagon Survives Car Crash After Sleeping at The Wheel

Veteran rock singer Terry Luttrell, known for his involvement with REO Speedwagon, recently survived a serious car accident after falling…

LEFT PHOTO: Jeremy Allen White, The Prelude to the Olympics 2024, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, Île-de-France, France - 25 Jul 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: Bruce Springsteen

Watch Trailer for Springsteen’s Biopic Played by Jeremy Allen White

The upcoming biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” is set to provide a captivating portrayal of the legendary musician Bruce Springsteen,…

Rod Stewart 2025 American Music Awards, Show, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - 26 May 2025

Rod Stewart Is No Longer Friends With Trump

Rod Stewart, the legendary musician, has recently come to the forefront of entertainment news due to his outspoken views on…

Band Danko Jones support act at OVO Arena Wembley London at the Black Stone Cherry / The Darkness co headline tour Black Stone Cherry & The Darkness ·co headline tour 04 Feb 2023 OVO Arena Wembley London Black Stone Cherry and The Darkness in concert, London, UK - 04 Feb 2023 Black stone Cherry are an American Rock band formed in 2001 in Kentucky. The band consists of Chris Robertson, Ben Wells, Steve Jewell and John Fred Young The Darkness are a British rock band formed in 2000. The band consists of Justin Hawkins, his brother Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Rufus Taylor. Danko Jones were the support act on this tour. Danko Jones are a Canadian hard rock trio from Toronto. The band consists of Danko Jones, John 'JC' Calabrese, and Rich Knox

Danko Jones Announces 12th Studio Album

The rock music scene is once again electrified with the announcement of Danko Jones’ forthcoming 12th studio album, “Leo Rising.”…

Stevie Wonder Democratic National Convention, Day 3, Chicago, USA - 21 Aug 2024

Stevie Wonder Reveals BST Hyde Park 2025 Lineup

Stevie Wonder is set to grace London’s BST Hyde Park stage once again, marking his third appearance at the renowned…

American singer Nezza (Vanessa Hernandez) arrives at REVOLVE x AT&T Present REVOLVE Winterland held at 55 N La Cienega Boulevard on December 8, 2022 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States. REVOLVE x AT&T Present REVOLVE Winterland, 55 N La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States - 08 Dec 2022

Nezza’s No Longer ‘Welcome’ at Dodger Stadium Despite Prior Statement

In recent days, the music industry and sports world have been abuzz with the story of Latin pop singer Nezza,…