Tour reaches out to veterans

Associated Press

NEW YORK

When Smashing Pumpkins tour this summer, part of the band’s mission will be to raise awareness of the plight of U.S. military veterans. For its “The End Times” tour, the band will work with the Easter Seals Dixon Center on a joint venture called “New Beginnings: Reaching America’s Vets.”

Frontman Billy Corgan doesn’t see it as a partisan issue; he thinks the alt-rockers can help some veterans and their families. Corgan was at a Live Nation event promoting National Concert Day. Also attending was Col. David Sutherland, center chairman.

Smashing Pumpkins’ tour begins June 16 in Munhall, Pa.