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

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.