Billy Corgan's Joliet Show: Did It Rock or Flop? Attendance Numbers!
Billy Corgan, the iconic frontman of the Smashing Pumpkins, recently headlined the Taste of Joliet with his band Machines of God. While Corgan's performance was reportedly well-received, attendance figures reveal a story of highs and lows for the annual festival.
Corgan's Performance & Attendance Reality
The Joliet Park District had high hopes, aiming for 28,000 tickets sold for Corgan's June 20th performance. There was even buzz about a potential special appearance by Joliet native and Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. However, Chamberlin didn't appear, and the crowd size didn't match expectations.
Despite the absence of Chamberlin, Corgan delivered a performance that resonated with the audience. However, the Memorial Stadium crowd paled in comparison to the previous two years, when the Goo Goo Dolls (2024) and Train (2023) headlined. According to the Joliet Park District, the total attendance for the Friday night show featuring Billy Corgan and Machines of God was around 12,000 people.
Taste of Joliet: Overall Attendance Dips
The three-day Taste of Joliet event saw a significant drop in overall attendance, totaling 42,000 spectators. This is a considerable decrease compared to the previous year when Mayor Terry D'Arcy reported over 60,000 attendees. In 2023, the event drew a record-setting crowd of 55,000 people.
Brad Staab, Joliet Park District Director, attributed the attendance decline to the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees for three consecutive days. The breakdown of attendance by day was as follows:
- Friday, June 20: 12,000
- Saturday, June 21: 25,000
- Sunday, June 22: 5,000
Despite the lower attendance, Staab indicated that the event is projected to break even in 2025. While Billy Corgan's fans appreciated his performance, the Taste of Joliet faced challenges in drawing the large crowds of previous years.
Financials of the Event
The Joliet Park District invested a significant amount in entertainment, spending at least $711,500 on out-of-state musical acts for the Taste of Joliet. Corgan's contract alone was worth $275,000. The park district hoped to sell 28,000 tickets.