Billy Corgan "blown away" by fan support

Billy Corgan has revealed that he was "blown away" by the support that his Chicago fans showed when his band played at a recent benefit concert.

The Smashing Pumpkins frontman organised the event to raise money for injured Madina Lake musician Matthew Leone.

The bassist was attacked in July after intervening in a domestic dispute. He suffered a broken jaw and nose as well as a fractured skull.

The Tuesday night gig raised over $800,000 (£500,000) for Leone's medical care.

Corgan told the Chicago Tribune: "I was inspired by Matthew’s courageous defence of a woman he didn’t even know. What pushed me to do the benefit for his medical fund was how much he is loved by close friends of mine who know him well. I spoke to his family at the benefit and they all said that it didn’t surprise them at all that he did what he did to stop an injustice.

"I was blown away by the Chicago community coming together to put this benefit on so quickly. It put an emotional charge into our show that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I was absolutely honoured to be standing on the Metro stage, my musical home, showing our support for one of our own. It was a great night in the long, storied history of Chicago. And an epic show."