Billy Corgan’s post-Smashing Pumpkins project was Zwan. He formed the alternative-rock supergroup with former Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin after the original band broke up around 2000.
Zwan brought together musicians from several prominent alternative-rock acts. Its lineup included guitarist David Pajo of Slint, guitarist Matt Sweeney of Chavez, and bassist Paz Lenchantin, alongside Corgan and Chamberlin. The group’s sound was generally more melodic and upbeat than much of the Smashing Pumpkins’ darker material.
Zwan released its only studio album, Mary Star of the Sea, in 2003. The album produced the single “Honestly,” which received notable radio and video exposure. Despite the promising start, internal disagreements and dissatisfaction within the group led to its breakup during the same year.
Corgan later pursued solo work before helping revive the Smashing Pumpkins in 2007. The key distinction is that Zwan was a separate band, not a renamed version of the Pumpkins, although it included two major former members.