Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are launching the "Rat in a Cage Tour" across the United States. The series of nearly 25 shows begins September 30 in Columbus, Ohio, and concludes November 12 in Inglewood, California.

From Columbus to Inglewood: The 25-Date Rat in a Cage Itinerary

The Smashing Pumpkins are embarking on the "Rat in a Cage Tour," a trek across the United States featuring nearly 25 scheduled performances. according to Billboard, the tour kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. The journey concludes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

Beyond the primary tour dates, Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are slated for a high-profile appearance at the 33rd Annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. This event will take place on December 14, 2024, returning the band to the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, shortly after the official tour wrap.

The $70 Entry Point and the Surge of Third-Party Sales

Securing a seat for The Smashing Pumpkins has become a challenge, as Billboard reports that several tour dates are either completely sold out or nearing capacity. For fans unable to find primary tickets, the market has shifted toward third-party platforms. tickets for the "Rat in a Cage Tour" are listed as starting at $70, though prices fluctuate based on demand and seat location .

Platforms like StubHub and Vivid Seats have become primary conduits for these tickets. As Billboard noted, these retailers offer various protections, such as StubHub's 120% credit for canceled shows that are not rescheduled. This reliance on secondary markets highlights the intense demand for Billy Corgan's live performances in 2024.

The 90s Alt-Rock Revival and the Secondary Market Shift

The "Rat in a Cage Tour" is part of a broader trend where seminal 1990s alternative rock acts continue to command massive audiences and premium pricing. the Smashing Pumpkins, led by Billy Corgan, represent a generation of musicians who have successfully transitioned from radio dominance to "legacy" status, where the live experience is the primary revenue driver.

This pattern mirrors the recent touring cycles of other genre giants, where the initial primary sale sells out in minutes, pushing the majority of the fan base toward resellers.. The fact that Billy Corgan can still fill venues like the Schottenstein Center and the Kia Forum underscores the enduring appeal of the band's catalog among both original fans and new listeners.

The Ambiguity of the 'Nearly 25' Date Total

Despite the excitement, some specifics regarding the "Rat in a Cage Tour" remain vague. Billboard describes the tour as having "nearly 25 dates," a phrasing that leaves the exact number of shows unclear. It remains unknown whether the band is planning to add more cities to the itinerary or if a few dates were dropped from the original plan.

Furthermore, while the start and end points are clearly defined, the full list of intervening cities is not detailed in the brief. This leaves fans wondering which mid-sized markets Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins will visit between Ohio and California.