‘The fact that he said he can’t sing I think disproves that we’re related because I’m not funny’: Billy Corgan confronts comedian Bill Burr and admits he’s probably not his half-brother after all

On January 23, 2025By Littum

One of the more unexpected revelations from last year was Billy Corgan’s claim that he may have a long-lost half-brother in the form of comedian Bill Burr. However, it looks like we can now put it to bed.

Appearing on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, Burr was brought face-to-face with the Smashing Pumpkins guitarist and singer for the first time, finally getting to tell his side of the story.

“What was going to happen? Shall we go out and play catch? We’re both in our fifties!” an off-guard Burr exclaims as Corgan crashes the interview, clearly rattled that Mandel had used his show as a vehicle to bring the ‘lost siblings’ together.

O brother, where are you?

The curious story of Corgan’s ‘lost half-brother’ began when Corgan first appeared on Mandel’s podcast back in November 2024. Due to a suspected mix-up (but more likely a simple gag), Burr’s picture was used instead of Corgan’s.

But instead of just laughing along, the event prompted Corgan to explain his theory that the two look and sound so alike because they’re probably half-brothers in real life.

“About 10 years ago, one of my brothers had a birthday and my stepmother was there, who was obviously married to my father. And my stepmother said to me, ‘Do you know who Bill Burr is?'” Corgan explained. “At the time, I had never heard of Bill Burr. I didn’t know who he was. I didn’t know he was a comedian or anything. He could have been the guy down the street.

“She said, ‘Well, he’s this comedian.’ And I think I even somehow called up a picture on the phone and I noticed right away, ‘Well, he looks like my dad.’ Bill Burr looks more like my dad than Bill Burr look like me or I look like Bill Burr. So I said to my mom, ‘Why are you asking me that?'”

“She says, ‘I think it might be one of your father’s illegitimate children.’ Bill Burr might be one of the kids your dad fathered in his days as a traveling musician,” he said.

Thus history and mystery were born.

And, still eager to amp up the ‘hits’ and light the fire, Mandel invited both Burr and surprise guest Corgan back on the show to go over the story one more time.

Family Reunion with Bill Burr & Billy Corgan | Howie Mandel Makes Things #226 – YouTube

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“I have something I have planned for you. Bring the surprise…” Mandel teases before a confused-looking Corgan interrupts the ongoing interview with Burr.

“What is there?” Burr asks Corgan casually, before turning to Mandel and tersely offering, “You’re an asshole.”

“He told me you were totally cool with me,” Corgan says. “That’s what he does,” sighs Burr…

“Okay. (eff) it. I do. Did you ever think that the fact that I never told that story that maybe you shouldn’t? Burr quizzes Corgan. “The emails and shit I got. It’s not because I don’t like him,” he tells Mandel. “It just reminds me of all that s…”

But after exchanging banter, it seems even Corgan may have a change of heart. Apparently dismissive of his theory, once confronted by Burr in the flesh, Corgan, smoking back, chimes in on his deal. “The fact that he said he can’t sing, I think, disproves that we’re related, because I’m not funny,” he agrees.

The case is closed, we reckon. And come to think of it, what kind of father would name both of his sons Bill anyway?

Looks like we can safely write this one off as a bizarre Corgan anecdote gone awry.

But what about Alice Cooper and Steve Carell? Lars Ulrich and Michael Keaton? Are you trying to tell us they are not related?

And isn’t it about time someone gave those Will Ferrell and Chad Smith rumors another shot?

Will Ferrell and Chad Smith Drum-Off – YouTube

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