Yungblud has unveiled a reimagined version of his Grammy-nominated track 'Zombie,' featuring Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. The collaboration marks the first time the iconic rock band has appeared on another artist's recording. Produced by Matt Schwartz and Corgan, the remix delves deeper into the song's emotional themes.
On January 2, 2026, Yungblud shared a new remix of 'Zombie,' his fastest-streaming solo single with over 100 million streams, now featuring The Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan contributes the second verse and closes the track alongside Yungblud, singing, “Would you even want me, want me, want me?” The updated version, produced by Matt Schwartz and Corgan, includes an official music video directed by Charlie Sarsfield starring both artists.
The collaboration stems from Yungblud's long-standing admiration for The Smashing Pumpkins. He cited their album Siamese Dream as a key influence while recording 'Zombie' for his latest album, Idols. Yungblud and Corgan first met in Birmingham last July during Black Sabbath's farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, where both paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. Their connection dates back further; Corgan discovered Yungblud through a live video and praised his potential in a 2023 interview, predicting he would be discussed for the next 50 years. On Corgan's podcast, The Magnificent Others, he encouraged Yungblud to embrace rock in its purest form.
Yungblud explained the remix's creation: “When ‘Zombie’ came along, I knew I wanted to do a new version of it. I was like, ‘Billy, please help me scratch this itch. I want this record to dig in harder.’ There still needs to be an almost Jekyll and Hyde element.” He added in a statement, “Billy has always been such a massive inspiration to me but more recently a huge mentor of mine. ... I love that this new version of ‘Zombie’ is heavier, it has Billy Corgan’s iconic guitar sound, it has more urgency and it rips my heart out.”
Corgan responded, “Yungblud’s star shines bright, so it’s been great fun to lend our zig-zag voice to his ‘Zombie’ which he’s said was inspired by one of our own. ... I’m proud to say we’ve done that; if only to honor him in return.”
'Zombie' is nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2026 Grammy Awards, alongside entries from Nine Inch Nails, Sleep Token, Hayley Williams, and Turnstile. Idols competes for Best Rock Album against Deftones, Haim, Linkin Park, and Turnstile. Yungblud also earned a Best Rock Performance nod for his live rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” The release precedes his sold-out UK arena tour starting April 11, 2026, following a landmark 2025 with chart-topping albums and tours.
