Enter the World of Machina
Explore the complex narrative and symbolism of The Smashing Pumpkins' rock opera
The Machina Concept
The Machina albums tell the story of a rock star named Zero (later Glass), who experiences a spiritual awakening when he hears the voice of God through the radio. This narrative was conceived by Billy Corgan as a rock opera/concept album inspired by David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, exploring themes of identity, media portrayal, spirituality, and personal transformation.
Released in 2000, "Machina/The Machines of God" and its companion album "Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music" represent one of the most ambitious and conceptually rich periods in The Smashing Pumpkins' history.
The Smashing Pumpkins during the Machina era, featuring custom outfits by designer Olivier Theyskens
Key Elements of the Machina Lore
Glass and the Machines of God
The fictional band at the center of the Machina narrative, led by the protagonist who renames himself from Zero to Glass after his spiritual awakening.
The Radio Broadcasts
Glass hears the voice of God through radio transmissions, which leads to his transformation and the creation of a new musical direction.
June/The Lover
A central character who represents both love interest and spiritual guide for Glass throughout his journey.
The Ghost Children
The devoted fans who follow Glass and his band, representing both adoration and the burden of fame.
The Machina Albums
Machina/The Machines of God
Released February 29, 2000
The first part of the rock opera featuring songs like "The Everlasting Gaze," "Stand Inside Your Love," and "Try, Try, Try."
Explore Album
Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music
Released September 5, 2000
The second part of the rock opera, released independently as a free download, featuring songs like "Real Love" and "Home."
Explore Album25th Anniversary Reissue
A comprehensive Machina reissue is scheduled for release on August 22, 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the albums. This deluxe box set will combine both Machina I and Machina II albums as originally intended, along with additional unreleased material from the sessions.
The reissue will include 48 tracks of Machina material plus 32 additional demos, outtakes, and live cuts, totaling 80 songs.
Explore the Machina Universe
Storyline
Discover the narrative arc and conceptual framework of the Machina rock opera
Characters
Meet Glass and the other characters that populate the Machina universe
Connections
Explore how Machina connects to other Smashing Pumpkins works including ATUM and Aghori Mhori Mei
Visual Gallery
View the artwork and visual elements that define the Machina aesthetic
"Machina/The Machines of God was a concept album that was supposed to be a theatrical production, a movie, a tour, and a live album."