Ghost Children: A Tribute To The Smashing Pumpkins

Ghost Children: A Tribute To The Smashing Pumpkins is a 2001 tribute album featuring fourteen international bands and artists covering songs by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Originally conceived as an idea for a website, Ghost Children evolved in to a full-length CD following collaboration between producer Neil Main and Act IV's creator Steven Pukin in late 2000. It was due to this collaboration that Ghost Children was made possible. Tracks submitted by artists and bands looking to play at Act IV's 2001 show were automatically submitted for the project. Almost 100 tracks were received by this method, with 20-30 demos coming via the website. Pukin also endorsed the disc to be sold at the show.

There was an initial limited run of 200 pressings, all selling within two hours during the first Act IV show on the July 7, 2001 at The Metro in Chicago. Metro owner Joe Shanahan booked the show for July 7 to celebrate the anniversary of Smashing Pumpkins Day in Chicago. The show raised more than $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the city of Chicago again declared July 7 as Smashing Pumpkins Day in honor of the show.

A copy of Ghost Children was given to Billy Corgan – who was present at that show – who then electively stated his satisfaction with the effort on The Smashing Pumpkins official message board. Due to the accumulating high demand, a second run of 200 CDs were produced in late 2001.

Articles on the release appeared in the Chicago Tribune and on MTV News while Neil Main promoted the CD via Northampton Scene magazine and on FOX FM. Production of a second edition run of 200 copies commenced in late 2001, giving fans unable to attend the concert the chance to purchase the album by mail.

All profits were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois.